Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) has deployed a system to automatically send text messages to staff who have tested negative for Covid-19.
Its results system specialist Shaun Goldsmith developed the system with CliniSys using its ICE communications and results reporting system.
It generates a message that can be sent out by SMS through the trust’s communications system to a specific patient type, such as a trust staff member who has provided a mobile phone number.
CliniSys said this will save time on administration and telephone calls and ensure the staff get negative results and return to work more quickly.
Automation need
Goldsmith said: “Our ambition is to run 1,000 Covid-19 tests a day, so we needed an automated or near-automated way to get the negative results to staff.
“Using ICE to generate text messages will speed up the process and avoid lots and lots of telephone calls. It will also enable the trust to focus on calling those people who do test positive, who will need support and advice.”
CliniSys said it is offering the system to other trusts, with some already showing an interest, and has drawn up supporting documentation and sample forms.
It added that the solution can be configured for different tests and results.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0