26 March 2024

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust are using Waiting List Validation to check in with patients on our waiting lists.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU), along with other healthcare providers in the region, is validating its waiting lists to reduce hospital procedure and appointment wait times.

As waiting lists for appointments and procedures across the NHS continue to grow, the Trust is taking action to help reduce waiting times by enabling a process that allows patients to confirm whether they still require their appointment, ensuring those that have been referred to us for an appointment or procedure still wish to remain on our waiting list.

While the majority of patients will be sent a text message to their mobile phone, which includes a link to an online questionnaire, some patients may receive a paper letter or telephone call from our Outpatient Booking Centre. 

The text message will look like this:

 

How does it work? 

Patients that have up-to-date mobile phone numbers stored within their hospital records, will receive a text message inviting them to complete an online questionnaire via a secure patient portal, which is accessible by entering your date of birth and a unique 4-digit pin code. If this link is not accessed within 7 days, a paper letter will be sent via post. Those on multiple waiting lists, will receive a notification for each one.

If your hospital record does not have an up-to-date mobile phone number available, a paper letter will be sent by post immediately. 

If you are on a waiting list and do not receive contact from the hospital during this time, no action is necessary.

Completing the questionnaire will help reduce waiting lists by:

  • Removing those who no longer require an appointment or procedure.
  • Enabling a more efficient booking service by reducing administrative phone calls.
  • Reducing the number of people who do not attend an appointment because they no longer require treatment.

Click here for more information on how to to access medical support in our community. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What happens if I do not respond to the online questionnaire? If you do not respond to the online questionnaire within 7 days, a paper letter will be sent via post.
  2. What happens if I don’t have access to a smart phone or computer? If you are unable to access the link within the text message, a paper letter will be sent via post.
  3. Will my GP be informed if I am removed from a waiting list? Yes, a letter will be sent to your GP informing them that you have been removed from the waiting list for any service that you are discharged from.
  4. I am awaiting an appointment or procedure but have not been contacted to complete a questionnaire. Do I need to contact Portsmouth Hospitals? If you are on a waiting list and do not receive contact from the hospital during this time, no action is necessary.
  5. If I say I don’t require my appointment or procedure anymore, will I be removed from the waiting list immediately? Once we have received your response, our teams will review your referral details. If a clinician feels that someone should have a conversation with you before you are removed, you will be contacted.