New health app aims to help people ‘Wait Less’ for minor injury treatment

The NHS has launched a new app to help people in Hertfordshire and west Essex to find prompt treatment for their minor injuries.

‘WaitLess’ is a free to download app which combines live waiting time information with mapping, traffic and public transport insights to suggest where people with minor injuries could visit for timely advice and treatment.

After launching to NHS staff across the STP a few weeks ago, the app is now live to the public.

The ‘WaitLess’ app draws on live information feeds from:

• Watford General Hospital A&E
• Lister Hospital A&E in Stevenage
• The Princess Alexandra Hospital A&E in Harlow
• Urgent Treatment Centres in Welwyn Garden City and Hemel Hempstead
• Minor Injuries Units at St Albans
• Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford
• Cheshunt Community Hospital.

WaitLess factors in each user’s current location before displaying live information on a selection of treatment centres in the Hertfordshire and west Essex area. Some other areas also have access to the app so they may be displayed too if a user is close by.

It’s not always easy for patients to know where to go – particularly if they are worried or in pain. That’s why we recommend everyone to go to NHS111 online or call 111 for free advice before they travel.

Smartphone users can download the WaitLess app free from the Apple App Store and Google Play now – just search for ‘WaitLess’.

We are collecting feedback on the app as part of the pilot and would really like to hear about your experience of using it. Please email your feedback to hertsvalleysccg.waitlesshwe@nhs.net.

Please visit the Hertfordshire and west Essex STP website for further information.