Websites & patient experience · Website help · Choosing an appointment

Explain appointment offers that need a reply

Reception sends possible appointment times, but the website has not explained whether the offer holds a slot. A visitor may delay replying while assuming their place is secure.

What to change

Describe the distinction between an offered time and a confirmed reservation. Agree the wording with the booking team and reflect the actual process for responding to offers.

A worked example

Illustrative example

An enquiry response lists two possible times and asks the patient to contact the team. The website explains that an appointment is confirmed only when the team sends the final booking details.

How to check the result

A visitor can identify the action needed to turn an offered option into a confirmed visit.

A mistake to avoid

Do not add an arbitrary response deadline or claim a temporary hold if the practice does not actually operate one.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to record

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Healthcare website design showing connected desktop and mobile service and enquiry layouts.
Make the service and next step clear on every screen.
Healthcare website accessibility illustrated by a focus outline, keyboard key, contrast samples and form.
Review keyboard access, contrast and understandable form fields.
Healthcare website testing with desktop and mobile forms, a checklist and success and error states.
Check complete journeys and explain failures clearly.

Further reading

These primary sources provide additional context for the project decisions above.

Related decisions

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