Better booking by computer

Neil MacArthur Eyecare has invested £17,500 in a new computer system to store patient details and organise appointment bookings.

The aim of the investment is to boost efficiency and enable staff to spend more time dealing with patients. The system automatically notifies Neil MacArthur's headquarters in Leeds when an appointment is booked in the branch, enabling the call centre team to manage the diaries of each optometrist. The main function of the call centre is to contact patients for their two-yearly eye test and book an appointment.

Phil Howlett, UK area manager (pictured), said that the new computer system meant everyone could see available appointment slots at the touch of a button.

'Cancellations will show immediately, enabling us to book someone else into that time slot. Other benefits are the ease with which we can access patient details and update records.'