[North Wales, UK] Patients in North Wales will now be able to check through a new mobile app how long they will have to wait before receiving treatment at the A&E and minor injuries units at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
“This app is a great way for people who have been injured to work out where is the best place to go to get seen with a minimum of delay,” said Nigel Lee, Secondary Care Director at the health board.
The platform, called Live Wait Times, was initially introduced in Staffordshire at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust and can now be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, offering patients quick access to information such as opening times for the health board or contact details.
“This is an innovative way of helping the public choose which health provider best suits their needs, whether that’s an A&E or a local minor injuries unit. It’s often the case that patients with minor conditions can be treated without the need to visit an acute hospital.
“The app gives real-time information on waiting times and show how busy the departments are at any time during the day,” commented Liz Rix, Chief Nurse at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.
Source: http://www.hitcentral.eu/british-journal-healthcare-computing/mobile-apps-launched-help-uk-patients