Patients attending Southmead Hospital and other North Bristol NHS Trust sites can now view their appointment letters online.
This change, delivered through a patient engagement platform called DrDoctor, aims to enhance patient experience, reduce paper use, and save costs on postage.
Since the Trust began introducing online appointment letters last autumn, it has already saved over 100,000 pieces of paper. Now the rollout is complete, it’s predicted that 1,800kgCO2 in carbon emissions and around £315,000 will be saved each year, if 70% of patients continue to go digital with their appointment letters. It will also save around 2,289 hours of staff’s time per year spent sending paper letters.
Patients now receive a text message or email with a secure link to view their appointment letter online in a portal. This allows patients to view their letter instantly on their mobile device, tablet or computer. If the appointment letter is not opened, patients will automatically be sent a paper copy.
The rollout follows the introduction of text reminders for appointments and is part of a larger plan to use digital tools to help patients manage their healthcare, reduce missed appointments and operate more efficiently.
Neil Darvill, Group Chief Digital Information Officer at NBT, said:
“Introducing digital letters is a vital step in modernising how we communicate with our patients. It makes it easier for people to get the information they need, supports our sustainability and cost-saving goals, and frees up valuable time for our staff.
"By embracing digital, we’re creating a greener, more effective and patient-centred service fit for the future."
Patients should look out for text messages from the number 07860 039092, and emails from no-reply@drdoctor.co.uk.
Those who want to continue receiving paper letters can opt out of the paperless option by replying with PRINT to text messages from the Trust, or by managing their letter settings in the portal.
Paper letters will continue to be sent to patients who have not provided a mobile phone number or email address.
For more information, visit www.nbt.nhs.uk/digital-comms.