THE health board has apologised for delays in patients receiving important appointment letters.

A number of people contacted the Western Telegraph to say they had not received notification about upcoming appointments, or letters cancelling appointments.

In some cases, patients have been removed from waiting lists after failing to attend appointments they did not know about.

Joe Teape, director of operations and deputy chief executive at Hywel Dda said: “We apologise for any confusion or inconvenience patients may have experienced recently in regard to receiving appointment letters.

"We are introducing some changes to the postal mail system within Hywel Dda to ensure that patients are receiving the information required with their outpatient appointment letters in a more effective and efficient way.

"This work is still in its early stage and unfortunately we have experienced some minor technical issues with the system recently."

Mr Teape said the health board was working hard to resolve the issue quickly and ensure all patients received letters in time.

Patients are also encouraged to check appointment details via the contact centre on 0300 303 9642.

On Tuesday (November 13), Hywel Dda launched a new text message service for patients who are currently on a waiting list for treatment.

Messages will ask if patients wish to remain on the waiting list, and provide instructions on what to do next.

Mr Teape said: "If we hold a patient’s mobile number, we may use this information to contact the patient about their health, waiting lists for appointments or treatment, or to remind them about an upcoming appointment.

"For example, patients whose outpatient appointments have been made through our Contact Centre will receive a reminder of their outpatient appointment both 7 and 2 days before they are due to attend.

“It is important to highlight that if patients do not wish to be communicated by text they can opt out at any time and no further text messages will sent to them.

"Patients are also encouraged to let us know if their contact details change, such as their mobile number, so we have the most up-to-date information."

The health board says about one appointment in 10 is simply forgotten about.

That's about 30,000 missed appointments each year.

At £150 a time, this costs the board about £4million a year.

For information on signing up to the text scheme, visit hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/text

Have you had an important appointment cancelled because you were not aware of it? Have you found the health board's text service helpful? Contact reporter Joanna Sayers at jsa@westerntelegraph.co.uk or call 01437 761764.