The NHS across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is launching a new smartphone app called WaitLess, designed to help people choose the most appropriate urgent and emergency care service and better understand waiting times across the system.

The app provides live waiting times, queue numbers and estimated treatment times at local Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) and Minor Injury Units (MIUs), alongside travel information, pharmacy alternatives and details about services available at each site.

WaitLess combines travel, waiting and treatment times to give patients a clearer picture of how long they may spend at each location, helping them make more informed decisions about where to access care.

The app has been developed to support people with less serious illnesses and injuries to consider alternatives to Emergency Departments (A&E) where appropriate, helping reduce pressure on urgent and emergency care services while improving patient experience.

Supporting staff ahead of launch

To support the public launch, a communications toolkit will be available for teams and frontline staff. This will include:

· A script for frontline staff to help explain and promote the app to patients

· Posters and promotional materials

· Patient factsheets

· Social media assets for local use

· A promotional video for use in waiting rooms and on digital screens

These resources are intended to help colleagues feel confident discussing the app and encouraging patients to consider the most appropriate service for their needs. To access the toolkit, please visit here.

 

Download the WaitLess app

The WaitLess app is FREE to download from the App Store and Google Play. Simply search “WaitLess” download now!