News Item

New Electronic Check-in System

A new electronic check-in system for patients has been introduced at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

The new £2,500 touch-screen systems should end waits and queues to checking-in for outpatient appointments at both hospitals.

They are operated by simply scanning the appointment letters, which carry a  barcode, in a process which takes just  seconds.

They can also be operated by simple-to-use touch screen directions.

There are three at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary – in the main reception, corridor four and orthopaedics (which will come online shortly)

Three at Calderdale Royal Hospital are at main outpatients, maternity and orthopaedics.

Reception staff will continue to help out when necessary and the new system means they should have more time to sort out follow-up appointments for patients.

Patient Ian Woodcock, 66, from Birchencliffe, was among the first to use it. He said: “It’s a lot quicker than queueing.”

Head of appointments, Katharine Fletcher, said: “Checking in is the very first contact point for our patients and we want to make this run as smoothly and as quickly as possible. We are always aiming to improve our care and our patients’ experiences with us and this is an obvious opportunity for improvement.”

Digital check-ins are a relatively new development at hospitals and the Trust is amongst the first to install them. Many GP practices already use them.