Pirkanmaa centralises SMS contact numbers to simplify bookings for hearing- and speech-impaired residents

YLE reports that only residents who cannot hear or speak by phone, or who are unable to use digital services, will be able to use the SMS channel; others should use Omapirha or Digiklinikka. Text messages can be used to book or cancel doctor and dentist appointments, get advice and request assessments of care needs. The service already covers all Pirha-owned social and health centres, local stations and service points, as well as units where Mehiläinen provides services.

Until now, each unit’s text number had to be found separately on Pirha’s website, which made them hard to locate. YLE found inconsistent listings for Akaa and Urjala, while details for Tampere and Orivesi appeared only if readers landed on the correct Pirha page. Pirha says it will centralise the listings.

Taru Manner, head of Pirha’s digital development unit, acknowledged the problem and said improvements are underway. "We identified that contact methods for people with hearing and speech impairments were not listed centrally anywhere. We are discussing and advancing improvements with Pirha's web communications. This will be fixed now, thanks to the YLE reporter," Manner said.

The issue arose after the social and health reform merged municipalities with different communication practices. Pirha has been working to create unified procedures across the region.