Spring Clean Your Patient Communications
As nature bursts into life outside, May is the perfect time to freshen up how you communicate with your patients. Just like a good spring clean at home, reviewing your patient-facing materials can uncover clutter, outdated information, or missed opportunities to connect.
Start with Your Digital Front Door
Your website is often the first place people go when they’re looking for help. Ask yourself:
Can patients quickly find your contact information and opening hours?
Are your online appointment systems easy to navigate?
Is the Patient Participation Group (PPG) section up to date, with clear info on how to join or get involved?
Are links working, and is your content mobile-friendly?
A short review, even just 15 minutes, could help you spot small changes that make a big impact.
Bring Your Waiting Room to Life
Take a walk around your waiting area with fresh eyes. What do patients see?
Are your noticeboards tidy and engaging?
Could you add colour, pictures, or patient quotes to humanise your messaging?
Do your posters reflect the diversity of your patient community?
Are messages clear, and available in other languages or formats if needed?
If your communications are inclusive, welcoming and easy to understand, patients are more likely to engage.
Make the Most of Appointment Screens and Newsletters
If you use a screen in your waiting room, think about what’s on rotation. Could you include a short welcome from your team? A spotlight on your PPG? A reminder that feedback is always welcome? Or can you tailor the information based on the time of year and national campaigns?
Your newsletter (print or digital) is another great place to build trust. Consider:
Featuring a short patient story or testimonial.
Adding a staff spotlight to show patients your team are people too!
Including upcoming events, local resources and community groups, or health campaigns.
These touches can make communication feel more like a conversation, not just a noticeboard.
Don’t Forget Two-Way Channels
Finally, ask yourself: are we making it easy for patients to talk back?
Is there a simple way to give feedback, online or in person?
Do you let people know what you’ve heard and what you’re doing about it?
Have you invited your PPG to help sense-check your messaging?
Have you analysed your Friends & Family feedback recently?
Patients can only engage if they know how, when and where to do it. Giving your communication channels a little attention this spring can help you build stronger, more active relationships for the rest of the year.