People living across the Fylde coast can now access free wifi while waiting to see their doctor or visiting the hospital.
Wifi has been installed to give patients the opportunity to browse the web while they wait for appointments, via their smartphone, tablet or laptop.
While waiting for an appointment, patients can now access and download health apps, browse webpages and look up health and care information for free.
The Fylde Coast Directory of Services (FYi Directory) is displayed as the first website once connected. The website has been developed for people to find out more information about the health and social care services in their area.
Speaking on behalf of the Fylde coast NHS, Dr Tony Naughton, clinical chief officer at NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, said: “When talking to patients about how to improve their experiences in GP waiting rooms, many people have suggested free internet.
“Free access to the internet and to the FYi Directory will help patients see what other services are available, as well as how, when and where they can access them.
[/column][column]“The NHS IT team have worked hard to make sure that patients have access to high quality wifi across the area and we believe it will improve people’s experience of healthcare.”
Implementation of the wireless internet network is part of an initiative to improve the use of online technology in the NHS. The wifi is now live across all GP surgeries and at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals for patients to use.
Pete Kelly, head of IT for the Fylde coast NHS, said: “The free wifi is one of many projects the NHS IT team have for digital healthcare. We want people to be able to interact with health and social care services at home and while waiting for an appointment.
“There is a positive environmental impact with internet use. It enables less paper to be used for printing and people will be able to save webpages and relevant information on their personal devices.”
The introduction of free wifi across the Fylde coast is just one of a number of advancements in technology across GP practices. All practices have recently had a TV screen installed to display health information messages and also electronic check-in stations have been set up across all practices.
[/column]
