16 March 2006
A new electronic system that enables patients to choose their own hospital appointment has proved a huge hit at a local medical centre in Wakefield.
Choose and Book is a national scheme that allows patients to book an outpatients appointment electronically and at the hospital, time and date of their choice, in a move that should hopefully reduce the lengthy waiting times between seeing a GP and getting a hospital appointment.
The service was implemented at Middlestown Medical Centre in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, four months ago and more than 300 people have used it to make outpatients appointments.
Dr Terry Gair, a GP at the practice, commented: "We know we've made a difference to patients' lives, and it's good for us to know they are less anxious because they haven't had to wait to know when their appointment is."
An additional advantage of Choose and Book is that it enables patients to choose their initial hospital appointment, and book it on the spot in the surgery or later on the phone or via the Internet at a time that is more convenient to them.
Middlestone is one of 18 Wakefield West Primary Care Trust areas, of which a further eight have also already adopted Choose and Book.
The remaining nine will go live with the system as of this spring.
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