Did you know some outpatient clinics within South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust use electronic patient letters?
Patients who have a mobile phone number registered with the hospital, will be offered their letter digitally. If the digital letter is not accessed within 24 hours or no mobile number is held with the hospital, then a postal letter is automatically sent and the digital letter is deleted. Not only can patients view all their appointment details on their smartphone, tablet and computer, they can cancel or confirm the appointment in 1-click. This can then be added directly into the patient’s digital calendar as a further reminder prompt.
As well as giving patients more choice and flexibility in managing their appointments, the system makes the information more accessible. Using apps, patients who are blind or partially-sighted can hear the letters read out loud and the letters can be translated into 99 different languages, supporting people for whom English is not their first language. Utilising digital letters reduces the Trust’s use of paper and printing equipment and all money saved on postage is being invested back into patient care.
