A new free service reminding patients they have appointments through texts and voicemail messages has been launched by Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust.

The Text and interactive voice-messaging reminder service has been set up to make it easier for patients to remember their appointments, particularly as national figures suggest approximately 1 in 10 people miss their appointments.

The reminder message will be sent directly to patients’ mobile phones or landlines a few days before their appointments.

Rebecca Adams, Service Improvement Facilitator at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, said: “We have set up this service to reduce missed appointments which delay treatment and increase waiting times for all patients.

“If patients do want to cancel or rearrange their appointments, the advance notification gives them the opportunity to do so. Patients will automatically be added to the system so it is important that we have their current contact details.”

To update your contact details or to opt out of the service please contact the Appointments Office on 01623 672383