New digital portal for patients at Tameside Hospital

A new system has been introduced at Tameside Hospital which allows patients to access details for their appointments digitally. 

The Patient Portal system has been implemented in the Outpatient Department by Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Ashton-based hospital. 

Once a patient starts using the portal, they can register to receive all future communication via the portal in one place, as well as also viewing past and future appointment details.

The portal also allows patients to confirm, rebook or cancel their appointment with one click. The patient can then add the appointment into their digital calendar as a further reminder.

The portal also allows the patient to access any additional information such as information leaflets, directions and any additional instructions and the patient can use the portal to translate their letter in to their chosen language.

Patients who don’t register for the portal will automatically get a paper letter sent to their registered address.

Three specialties of the Outpatient Department have also recently launched Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU).

The teams in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Cardiac Rehabilitation now support patients to manage their own care and to decide when a follow-up appointment with the clinical team is needed, if they experience a change in their condition or have any concerns within a six month period.

Other specialties within the Outpatient Department are soon to offer PIFU following the successful implementation.

Karen James, Chief Executive of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT, said: "Even with the pressure of the pandemic we are still working hard to innovate and transform our services for the better. One thing that has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is the use of digital solutions to keep in touch with our friends, family and colleagues.

"The NHS has also been able to use technology as an opportunity to offer solutions to enable our patients to manage their own care effectively and reduce unnecessary follow-up appointments." 

Main image:

A patient using the new portal.