The ability to keep in touch electronically can be of particular benefit for excluded groups. A faster response on sexual health tests and appointments is an outcome of a text messaging initiative at Leeds General Infirmary. Patients receive appointment reminders and negative test results by text message in a move which is helping reduce waiting times for sexual health treatment. Since March 2005 around 450 patients per month receive their test results by text, which has helped reduce waiting times for results from anything up to eight weeks to as little as ten days. The new system also frees up an estimated six hours of nursing time per week. With text messages, clients do not have to worry about ‘phone calls or letters that may be wrongly received by their parents or friends in shared accommodation. From September 2005, text messages are also used to encourage patients that miss their appointment to make contact to arrange a new appointment.