TEXT messages will be sent to Teignbridge residents to remind them about their hospital outpatient appointments, from Monday.

A spokesman for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, the Trust which runs 10 hospitals across South Devon, said: ‘As most people tend to carry their mobile phones with them at all times, and read every message they receive, it can be a far more effective and convenient communication method than email or post.

‘Every year more than 330,000 people attend Torbay Hospital and the community hospitals for outpatient appointments.’

Starting Monday patients will be sent text message reminders a few days before their appointment, to remind them of the date and time they are due to attend. Text reminders will be sent for appointments at Torbay Hospital and the community hospitals in Paignton, Brixham, Totnes, Dartmouth, Newton Abbot, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Bovey Tracey and Ashburton.

David Crompton, of the Trust, said: ‘Last year, more than 25,000 patients missed their hospital appointments. The cost of non-attendance at clinics is up to £170 per appointment, that’s approximately £4 million a year on missed appointments, which could have been spent on improving patient care.

‘We hope the text reminder service will reduce the number of patients who fail to attend their appointments and in turn help to manage clinic slots more efficiently, as early cancellation will enable us to reallocate these valuable appointments to other patients.’

To opt out of the text reminder service patients can email or calling 01803 656551.