Docs use texts to help fight Swine Flu

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Doctors in north west London have turned to text to help the ongoing battle against Swine Flu by sending out SMS advice alerts.

Camden-based GPs are sending out messages using a system from iPLATO, detailing the steps patients should take if they suspect they or a family member may have contracted the virus.

Rather than visiting or phoning the surgery, they’re then advised to contact the government’s national flu pandemic helpline.

“Since sending out the message it has eased pressure off our surgery... Since so many of our patients have mobiles, text messaging is the best way to contact them quickly,” said Sandra Anderson, senior administrator of the Rosslyn Hill Practice, said in a statement.

Jeff Mitchell, IT manager of the James Wigg Practice, added: "Using the text messaging service to reach 8,500 patients led to an immediate decrease in the volume of calls concerning swine flu and an increase the hits on our website where we provide Q&A for the patient. We know people are very concerned about Swine Flu and we want them to know what to do if they think they are infected.”

This isn’t the first time the NHS has embraced SMS as a way of dealing with health issues.

Many doctors surgeries are using text reminders to cut down on missed appointments, while others are using the same approach for childhood immunisation and to help people quit smoking.

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