Enpocket, the leading provider of mobile media and technology services, has been appointed to plan and deliver a sponsored NHS appointment reminder service using text messaging in four NHS Trusts and subsequently to offer the service to Trusts across the NHS. The service is to be implemented in conjunction with Healthcare Communications Ltd, the leading NHS communications directory provider.
It has been estimated that missed appointments within the health service cost the NHS over £400m per year. A test that has been running at Homerton Hospital has found that text message reminders sent to outpatients the day before an appointment can significantly reduce non-attendance and improve communications with patients.
In July Enpocket will begin a pre-launch trial to research the effectiveness of the programme from the savings it can deliver, to its acceptance among patients and the value it can bring to brands sponsoring the service. The text reminders allow up to 80 characters (half the space) for the sponsor’s message.
Yakult, the milk drink with friendly bacteria, is the first brand to announce it is signing up to the trial, which will take up to 6 sponsors. Companies joining the trial will then be given right of first refusal on sponsoring the service, which is planned for full launch in the autumn. Some 30 NHS Trusts – representing some 20% of the NHS and 9m appointments per annum – are looking at taking the service in its first year.
Jeremy Wright, co-founder of Enpocket, said: “This is a unique opportunity for brands to reach customers in a powerful healthcare context and to be seen to help deliver a valued public service. Participating sponsors may test up to three different messages. Consumer research conducted through the trial will provide both robust analysis of reactions to this messaging and aggregate findings from across the survey. A guide to Do’s and Don’ts will also give insight into best practice for ongoing sponsors. “
Interested brands should contact jwright@enpocket.com (020 7404 2090) for further information about joining the trial.
