Help the NHS reduce the cost of text messages.
Did you know that text messages cost the NHS?
For every 160 characters (1 fragment), it costs 2.64p. The average text is 2 fragments.
This means if we were to send 1 text that is 2 fragments to all 6,962 patients registered with our surgery, this would cost £362.02 a month. Failed text messages (where it has been sent to an inactive mobile number) are also chargeable to the NHS.
Downloading the NHS App and turning notifications on allows for the Surgery to send messages free of charge to patients. These messages need to be viewed within 24 hours or it will be automatically resent as a text and is therefore chargeable. Currently 50.43% of patients have the NHS app, however, only 32.41% of patients have notifications turned on.
The NHS app not only allows you to view messages but also allows you to view results, send an eConsult and order a repeat prescription.
If you have a smart phone, please download the NHS App and ensure your contact details with the surgery are up to date.
