Is there any help for me to use the Patient Portal?
Yes, there is a ‘Take the Tour’ Feature which will take you through the functionality available, step by step. This is always there for you. To access the tour, click on the in the top right corner of the patient portal.
How can I view my letter?
Your letter will be viewable when you first log in to the portal. If at any time you need to access your letter, you can find this in the overview section by selecting ‘view letter’. Or you can view your letter on the NHS app.
When will a physical letter be sent out if I do not access my digital letter?
If you haven’t viewed your digital letter within 48 hours a physical letter will be sent to you.
How long after my appointment will I still be able to view the letter?
If you are registered with the patient portal or NHS app, then your appointment letters will remain visible for as long as your account is active. If you have not registered your letter will be viewable up to 10 days after your appointment date. If you have registered, your letters remain visible for as long as the account is active.
What happens if I don’t receive or respond to the message sent to my phone?
If you don’t access your letter within 48 hours of receiving the text message the system will automatically generate a physical letter to be sent to you in the post. You’ll also automatically receive a letter after three unsuccessful login attempts to the portal.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
You will still receive a text message but won’t be able to access the portal link. Don’t worry though, a hard copy of the letter will automatically be sent to your home address.
How do I opt in to receive digital letters?
You are automatically opted in to receiving digital letters. If your details have changed please call the number on your letter.
If I delete my text by mistake after I have opened it up how will I remember my appointment date?
There is an option to add the appointment to your phone calendar when you open the digital letter. You can also register for the patient portal to view all your previous letters in one place – just click register at the top right hand corner once you’ve opened the letter. We will also continue to send our appointment reminder text messages ahead of your appointment.
Can I opt out of digital letters?
If you don’t want to receive appointment information via text messages or through the portal, contact your speciality admin team.
How can I convert my digital letter to multiple languages or change the size of the text?
You can view accessibility functionality in the top right-hand corner of the page. Features include translating your appointment letter to a chosen language, creating an MP3 file, text highlighting tool, and text magnifier to allow increased text size.
If someone has my phone can they access my letter?
The system is secure – you need to put your date of birth and the pin from the text message in to be able to access your appointment letter. Once you have registered for the portal you’ll be able to create your own username and login.
I am a carer and usually deal with my loved ones appointment letters – can my number be added on to receive the letters as well?
We can only send digital letters to one mobile number per patient. If you wish to change the number to yours we can do that with consent from the patient but please bear in mind that this will change the contact number we have for all correspondence/contact from the hospital. Please speak to the relevant speciality admin team to request this change. Alternatively, the patient could opt out of receiving digital letters and continue to receive a letter in the post