Bathurst Hospital’s perioperative service is going digital, using a message media system to contact patients about their upcoming surgery.
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Bathurst perioperative service nurse manager Kylie Peers said that with most patients having a mobile service, using text messaging was an effective way of keeping patients informed, and helping the hospital to plan its surgical lists.
“Text messages will be received by patients who have provided a mobile number and have agreed to participate in the test messaging service,” Ms Peers said.
The messaging system will be used to:
- Confirm surgery dates or arrange postponements.
- Check if colonoscopy patients understand how to prepare for their procedure.
- Check that patients are well and don’t have any injuries that could complicate joint surgery.
- Make arrangements to give patients information about fasting instructions or other action they need to take before surgery.
- Communicate with patients about whether they still need to have surgery.
“General messages may also be sent to specific individual patients when required,” Ms Peers said.
“It’s hoped the system will reduce the amount of time patients spend trying to contact the perioperative services and improve our service delivery.
The perioperative messaging system is being used across the Western NSW Local Health District to improve surgical services.
