New text service cuts missed appointments

27/01/10

Aberdeen City Council has introduced a new communication service for its tenants to help cut the number of missed home maintenance and repair appointments.

Tenants are now being texted with a message confirming the details of an appointment for a workman to call at their home, as well as being told verbally about the date and time.

Tenants are also being sent a reminder text message the day before the appointment to ensure they haven't forgotten about it and will be at home when the workman arrives.

The new service aims to cut the number of missed appointments, save money and staff time lost, and cut waiting times.

Housing and environment convener Councillor Aileen Malone said: "This is a great way of making the housing repairs service provided to council tenants more efficient. It's very easy to forget an appointment, but this new text message facility will help to put a stop to missed appointments. It will save the council time and money and save our tenants the frustration they inevitably experience when they miss these very important dates."

If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.