The way we communicate with our patients is changing.
As we move towards a digital future there are several ways that we may get in touch with you, alongside traditional patient letters.
As part of the Trust’s ongoing efforts to go digital, we launched our Patient Engagement Portal (PEP), in partnership with DrDoctor, our digital health partner, on 1st October 2024.
The Patient Engagement Portal allows patients to view their outpatient appointment letters online quickly and easily via their mobile phones, in the comfort of their own homes, in just a few clicks.
If we have your mobile number on record, you will receive a text message from 07860 039092 with a link to access your Patient Engagement Portal when you have a new outpatient appointment to view online.
You can log in using your last name, date of birth and postcode to view your letter.
But don't worry if you don't have a phone or don't want to use this method - patients who prefer paper letters can still receive their letters by post as usual.
We will automatically send you a paper letter if you don’t view your digital letter within three days of receiving the text message or we will send you a paper letter if we do not have a mobile number for you on record.
We also send SMS text messages to remind patients of their upcoming appointments. Reminders are sent to patients seven days before their scheduled appointment, as well as a message two days before. This should give you the option to confirm attendance, or to request that your appointment is cancelled or re-booked.
Messages should look like the image on the left.
We’ve introduced text reminders because thousands of patients miss their hospital appointment every year because they forget when it is. Each missed appointment costs the hospital money but, more importantly, it means that the slot cannot be offered to another patient.
Please be aware that if you have given your mobile number to any NHS healthcare provider, we will accept this as implied consent that you agree for the Trust to use this number to contact you regarding your hospital appointments. If you change any of your contact details please ensure that you notify your GP and the James Paget.
If you want to opt out of this texting service, need to change your details or have any concerns about an appointment reminder message you have received, please contact the clinical co-ordinator, whose details will be on your appointment letter.
We have previously used DrDoctor to communicate with patients who are waiting for an appointment, planned procedure or operation at our hospital to help us understand if your needs or circumstances have changed while you have been waiting for your appointment.
If you are currently on our waiting list or awaiting planned care at our hospital, you may receive text messages from us that will come from our digital partner DrDoctor. This may include a link to an online survey asking you a question about your ongoing hospital care.
The text message will come from mobile number 07860 039092.
Some patients will receive multiple messages as they will be under the care of more than one clinic or specialty and you will need to click on each individual text message.
For more information on the services that DrDoctor provide please visit the DrDoctor website; https://www.drdoctor.co.uk
