A pilot scheme to test the benefits of contacting groups of patients via text message and email and allowing them to access and interact with their outpatient appointment details online is being launched.

The six-week project will initially involve colorectal patients at University Hospital Southampton who will be the first to try out the scheme.

Instead of receiving a paper letter which informs them of their next appointment, patients will receive a text message and/or email via NHSNoReply directing them to a secure online Patient Hub portal where they will be able to confirm or request to change or cancel their appointment. They can also view a copy of their appointment letter.

The aim is to make it easier for patients to manage their appointments without having to make separate calls or keep track of paper letters. Patients will also be able to save appointments to their device calendars as an additional reminder.

If you are a patient who has been sent a text message or email, you just need to click on the link. If you delete the text or email you can re-access the portal here. opens new window

It is hoped that the pilot scheme will be more convenient for many patients, reducing the number of missed appointments as well as reducing the need to use resources printing and posting paper letters, which will only be sent if there is no response to the text message or email prompt.

If you have any queries, please email the Patient Services team at UHS.PatientServicesCentre@nhs.net

New text and email pilot scheme launched to help colorectal outpatients manage appointments