Sandwell Primary Care Trust Innovates to Increase Child Immunisation Uptake

London, August 9^th, 2010 - Sandwell Primary Care Trust will soon introduce text messaging as an innovative and practical means of reminding parents of children under the age 5 to attend immunisation clinics. Using the NHS approved iPLATO Patient Care Messaging system combined with immunisation records on their GP system, the GP surgeries will send SMS reminders asking parents to book an appointment for their child’s immunisation jabs.

Having children immunised is the most effective way to protect them from serious diseases such as Pneumococcal, Meningitis C, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. As a parent, you may not like seeing your baby or child being given an injection. However, vaccination is an important step in protecting your child against a range of serious and potentially fatal diseases. Vaccinations are quick, safe and extremely effective. Once your child has been vaccinated against a disease, their body can fight that disease more effectively if they come into contact with it. If a child is not vaccinated, they will be at increased risk of catching the illness.

Based on iPLATO experiences in other parts of the country this new service will increase immunisation uptake which is seen as key to avoid hospitalisation due to children catching any of the serious diseases they should immunised against. As the mobile channel is inexpensive and convenient it will also improve patient satisfaction and reduce communication costs. 

-Ends-

About Sandwell Primary Care TrustTop of Form

Sandwell Primary Care Trust is at the heart of the local NHS in Sandwell. It was formed in October 2006 following the merger of three Primary Care Trusts: Oldbury & Smethwick, Rowley Regis & Tipton and Wednesbury & West Bromwich Primary Care Trusts.

It serves a local registered population of approximately 320,000 and enables people in Sandwell to access healthcare, treatment and advice, health promotion advice and guidance and support for carers.