We operate a texting service for all of our patients to remind them of their appointments or of clinics that we run – we require your UK mobile phone number to do this (please note, we are unable to text or call non-UK numbers).
This facility also allows you to cancel your appointment via your phone, which saves you time.
If you have not provided us with your mobile number or have changed your number recently please update your details on the Communication Consent Form.
If you do not wish to receive text messages, please let us know and we can update your details on our system.
When you arrive for your appointment, if you use the automated check-in machine in the foyer it will advise you of the mobile number we store for you or advise you if we do not hold a mobile number for you. If you find the number we hold for you is incorrect or you wish to provide us with a mobile number to take advantage of the service please see a member of the reception team who will be happy to update your details.
You may receive other text messages from us, including:
- Surveys – if you have recently had an appointment with one of our GPs we may send you a survey to complete based on that appointment
- Questionnaires – if you have a long term condition (such as asthma, COPD, etc.) we may send you a questionnaire to complete about your condition
- Health campaigns – you may receive texts from us about different health campaigns i.e. stop smoking advice
If you give your consent please remember that it is your responsibility to keep your phone secure and control access to your SMS text messages and email.
- Keep in mind that an unlocked mobile phone means that others could have access to your information. FOR SECURITY OF YOUR INFORMATION IT IS ADVISED TO HAVE YOUR PHONE LOCKED WITH A PASSCODE, PIN CODE, FINGERPRINT or other security measure.
- Remember it is important to keep us updated of any changes to your mobile number including: the phone being passed on, sold or stolen, to ensure the security of any information we may be forwarding to your number.
- Please be aware of your text message settings – keep in mind that messages may appear as a notification on your lock screen or on a linked device such as a PC or tablet.
The Practice cannot be held responsible for messages sent to or received by the wrong person.
New Data Protection Regulations from May 2018 (GDPR)
Under the new Data Protection Regulations introduced from 25th May 2018, we will continue to contact patients via text messages regarding the delivery of care if they have provided consent for us to do so.
If the Practice is sending a text message about recommended treatment for the management of a specific health issue, then this is defined as providing appropriate care for a patient and not as marketing purposes.