Medway NHS cuts waiting list after introducing digital patient checks

Medway NHS Foundation Trust has reduced its waiting list by 756 patients after introducing digital questionnaires through the NHS App.

The questionnaires allow patients to confirm whether they still require an appointment, helping the trust remove people who no longer need care and prioritise those who remain on the list. The system has been introduced across all clinical specialties.

The trust has also reported fewer missed appointments among people using the NHS App. Between June and August 2026, the non-attendance rate for app users was 16% lower than the trust-wide average, releasing additional appointment capacity for other patients.

Patients can use the app to view referrals and appointments, receive updates and complete waiting-list questionnaires. The improvements show how relatively simple digital communication can help hospitals maintain more accurate waiting lists and ensure available appointments are used effectively.

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