Hospital appointment letters to go digital in September

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will switch to digital letters later this year <i>(Image: NHS)</i>
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will switch to digital letters later this year (Image: NHS)
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Most patients will soon receive appointment letters electronically instead of through the post.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will switch to digital letters for most outpatient appointments and clinic letters from September, delivering messages via the NHS App and text message.

The change is part of the trust’s Digital First patient communications approach, designed to improve the speed and reliability of information while reducing postal delays.

A spokesperson for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "The new approach also supports a better patient experience by giving patients more ways to access their hospital information."

However, patients who prefer paper letters can still request them.

Paper communications will continue for those under 18, individuals without a registered mobile number, and in cases where it is considered safer or more suitable.

Breast screening letters will also remain in paper format.

Patients who wish to keep receiving paper letters can request this through the trust’s Digital First webpage, by calling 01270 904446, by emailing digitalfirst@mcht.nhs.uk, or by speaking to staff during an appointment.

Support will be available for those less confident with digital technology, as well as for people who assist others with their hospital communications.

The spokesperson added: "Digital First does not mean Digital Only.

"Patients who need or prefer paper letters will still be able to receive them, and some communications will continue to be sent by post where this is safer or more appropriate.

"Digital messages can often reach patients more quickly and reliably than post, helping patients receive important information in time and reducing the impact of postal delays."

More information can be found at mcht.nhs.uk/digitalfirst.

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