NEW touch-screen computers have been introduced at Hemel Hempstead hospital’s fracture clinic in a bid to speed up the time taken for patients to check-in for their appointments.
Patients check-in on the system and receive a printed ticket directing them to a particular waiting area where large plasma screens will keep them informed of how the clinic is getting along and when they are likely to be seen.
Medical director at the West Herts Hospital Trust Dr Colin Johnston said: “On an average day, the trust sees around 1,500 outpatients. Currently when patients attend for an appointment, they have to queue up to confirm their arrival and personal details with a member of staff.
“The new easy touch screen system allows patients to enter their own patient number and confirm their appointment time, thereby giving them a faster service. However, outpatient staff will still be available to help patients with more complex enquiries.”
The trust plans to roll the system out to other outpatient areas in the hospital and at Watford General Hospital.
