Blog 3 - Moray Community Appointment Day

NHS Grampian tried a new way to help people who were waiting for Physiotherapy and Podiatry in Moray. They called it the Community Appointment Day (CAD). Traditionally, patients are booked into individual appointments in advance, often facing a waiting period before their one-on-one consultations with healthcare professionals. These sessions are tailored to the patient's specific needs, with follow-up appointments scheduled as needed.

In contrast, on a Community Appointment Day, patients come to a special event to get help with their health. This new idea helps healthcare staff to support people better by working together with local community services to support patients. This team-based approach improves the patient experience, whilst reducing waiting times, and enhancing support.

On the day of the event, 250 patients were invited, and 210 came. When patients arrived, they checked in and got a QR code for their Personal Health Passport online. They filled this out as they moved through different zones. Each zone had different services to help with their health. Patients talked to doctors, nurses, and other health professionals about what mattered most to them.

The CAD was different because it looked at health in a complete way. It helped build strong partnerships with local communities. They listened to people with real-life experiences to plan the day.

Patients liked having all the services in one place and appreciated the time spent listening to them. They felt understood and included in decisions about their health. Many patients who came to the CAD were able to access all the information and support they needed.  They didn't require any further appointments but were given a contact number in case this changed.

The CAD showed how important it is to work with the community and build strong partnerships. By bringing health and community organisations together, the CAD helped create a health service that meets the needs of everyone.

To learn more about the Community Appointment Day held in Moray watch this short video: