Patient Access
The easy and secure patient communication tool, designed for secondary care
A more convenient way to communicate with patients
Improves productivity and saves admin time
Gives patients more control over their care journey
Frees up time to focus on clinical care
Helps hospital teams with high volumes of inbound patient contact
How it works
Patient Access is a secure SMS-based communication tool that supports Patient-Initiated Follow-Ups (PIFU) and two-way messaging between secondary care clinicians and patients. It enables communication at a convenient time for both parties, reducing unnecessary appointments and giving patients more control over their care journey.
Getting started is quick and easy:
Patients register by sending an SMS to the designated Patient Access number. They’ll receive a short form requesting their NHS number, mobile number, and full name.
Once registered, patients will be able to:
- Send messages to specialist teams
- Share images when requested
- Request further consultations all through a user-friendly, app-free platform
Clinicians can access Patient Access via Consultant Connect in their browser.
From there, they can:
- View a patient’s full message history, and export all interactions as a PDF to easily attached to hospital patient records
- Respond to or initiate messages, or phone calls if/when needed
- Request additional information or images
- Close cases with an outcome
Why use Patient Access?
Key benefits include:
Quick and easy to use
Patient Access is accessible directly via Consultant Connect in your browser and requires no additional software or training. The messaging-based interface seamlessly integrates with existing workflows.
Cuts down on admin time
Patients can self-register, and the ability to reply using customisable templates in just one-click makes responses more efficient and consistent, freeing up time for clinical care.
Reduces missed contact
Replacing traditional phone and voicemail-based processes with secure SMS messaging supports clinical safety by making interactions more reliable and reducing the chance of missed voice messages or calls.
Work when it works for you
Set your availability and automate responses to manage patient expectations, supporting timely communication and improving service efficiency without increasing pressure on your team.
No app, no software downloads
Patients use a simple SMS service, eliminating the need to download any apps or software, ensuring accessibility for all patients.
Avoid unnecessary hospital visits
The service enables patients to communicate remotely with hospital teams, helping them avoid unnecessary travel, saving them time and reducing strain on hospital resources.
Ongoing peace of mind
Patients benefit from being able to contact their care team throughout the whole of their care journey, reassuring them and reducing the anxiety often associated with missing calls or delayed communication.
Greater control of their care journey
With the option to initiate contact, share clinical images, and raise concerns proactively, patients have greater control and confidence in managing their care. This supports early intervention and reduced the need for face-to-face follow-up appointments.
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