Digital check-in: FAQs

Digital check-in is technology that means you can check in quickly and easily to the emergency department (ED). The system uses information you provide on the check-in screen to collect information about you, including your name and address, details of your GP and the reason you have come to the ED. It is linked directly to your health record on our patients’ electronic record system.

Digital check-in asks you questions on a screen and uses your answers to assess whether you should stay in the ED for treatment or would get the right treatment by going somewhere else. E.g., the urgent care centre. This assessment is called triage. Information about you and the reason for your visit is matched with your health record, which is then updated.

Using this digital check-in system benefits you and our staff, including:

• Faster and more convenient access to care
• Reduced waiting times
• Improved communication with healthcare teams
• Easy access to personal information
• We are better able to manage resources to help our patients

Digital check-in is available in the emergency department (ED), children’s ED and the urgent care centre.

When you arrive at the ED you will be greeted by a member of staff and help will be available if you need it. The digital screens (iPads) are in individual kiosks.

Yes. Support and advice on using the digital check-in is also provided 24/7.

The check-in screens ask you a series of questions about yourself and why you have come to the ED. Based on what you tell us, we may advise you to remain in the ED, visit the urgent care centre or different care provider, or manage your symptoms at home. This reduces waiting times in the ED and helps us to focus on patients who need immediate care.

Yes. We take patient confidentiality very seriously and this system complies fully with NHS privacy and data protection regulations. Information about how we do this is published in the Trust’s data policy on the Trust’s website.

Digital check-in doesn’t guarantee immediate treatment, but it does streamline several steps such as assessment which can reduce your waiting time. If you need to remain in the ED, the assessment provides the care team with important information before they see you.

No. You have to be in the ED to use the digital check-in.

We encourage as many people as possible to use the digital check-in but we understand not everybody may feel comfortable or able to use the screens.

There are staff in the ED who will be able to advise and help you if you need support.

Support is available round-the-clock. Our staff will be happy to help you.

If you make a mistake, don’t worry. If the screen locks you out, it’s just to keep your details safe. Simply let one of our staff know and they’ll be happy to help you get sorted.

An accessible kiosk is provided in the main ED and the urgent care centre. Please ask one of the staff in the department for help if you need to.

Yes. The screens are cleaned frequently and there is alcohol-based hand cleanser available in each kiosk. If you are concerned about screen hygiene and want to see it cleaned before you use it, please ask one of the staff. They are happy to help you.

The ED can be extremely busy, particularly on certain days and times and you may have to queue. However, there are a number of kiosks available to keep waiting times to a minimum.

The individual kiosks have been designed to provide as much privacy as possible.

Let one of the ED staff know if you would like a private conversation and they will ensure that this can happen.

A discharge summary will be sent to your GP after your attendance.

Please tell one of the ED staff if you don’t have a GP and they will help you.

You will still be able to use the digital check-in.