Ali, The Virtual Agent
A new virtual agent called Ali is here to help manage appointment inquiries for patients
Ali the virtual agent is currently being trialled across three ELFT services:
- Psychotherapy Department (Specialist Psychotherapy Service City and Hackney)
- Newham Child Development Service
- Dunstable CMHT also known as Beacon House CMHT
This will be another way that you can contact the service about your appointments.
You can message the text-based virtual agent to view and ask questions about any upcoming appointments within the next 60 days, along with requesting an appointment cancellation or reschedule.
What is AI (Artificial Intelligence)?
Artificial Intelligence means different things to different people. In this context ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is the use of natural language processing, allowing the virtual assistant Ali to understand the comments you type within the webchat.
Once Ali has decided the meaning of your text, it will follow a standard set of questions, laid out by the Trust, giving you responses that have been written by the Trust.
Therefore, the Artificial Intelligence being used is focused on understanding the language people use and is not being used to decide what care you should receive.
Why do we need Ali?
Ali's aim is to improve your experience when managing appointments and help assist in rescheduling any bookings you are unable to attend while providing an easier way to remind you of future booked appointments.
You can speak to the virtual agent by clicking on the Blue ‘Click to Chat’ button
If you need help, please contact the booking office named in your appointment letter.
You can ask Ali to:
- Show your appointments booked within the next 60 days;
- Send an appointment cancellation request to the service on your behalf;
- Send an appointment reschedule request to the service on your behalf;
- Questions about your upcoming appointment(s).
Please note, if you wish to amend an appointment scheduled in the next 48hours (excluding weekends/Bank Holidays), please contact the booking office urgently by telephone:
Psychotherapy Department (Specialist Psychotherapy Service City and Hackney) - 020 8510 2900
Newham Child Development Service - call them on 020 8586 6250/51
Dunstable CMHT also known as Beacon House CMHT - call them on 01582 709200