The online portal, DrDoctor, is set to save the NHS tens of millions of pounds by reducing the number of missed appointments as well as making it easier and more convenient for patients to make and manage bookings. Patients can also fill in medical forms before they arrive using the system and receive appointment letters digitally.
DrDoctor is already used in ten hospitals including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Health NHS Trust and will soon be trialled in 11 more across the country as the NHS works to ensure every penny is spent wisely.
DrDoctor is being funded by NHS England through NHS England’s Innovation and Technology Payment programme. The tool will be trialled at NHS sites specially selected to test the impact of DrDoctor across a variety of hospitals, from small specialist sites to large inner city hospitals, with plans for the pilot to be in place by March.
Dr Simon Eccles, chief clinical information officer for Health and Care, said: “As the NHS develops its long term plan we will be looking to new technology to drive improvements in patient care and improve our efficiency. This technology has the potential to be a triple win for the NHS by making life easier for patients, saving money and improving appointment efficiency.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “A HealthTech revolution is coming to the NHS. This is a great example of how technology can make life easier for patients and NHS staff, helping more people to access health services from home and ensuring every pound goes further.
“I want the UK to have the most advanced healthcare system as the world – and so we intend to transform the NHS into an ecosystem for enterprise which simultaneously brings pioneering treatments to patients and allows innovators to thrive.”
