DrDoctor

Central London Community Health NHS Trust (CLCH) is changing how we communicate with patients about their appointments in some services. Patients can now see their appointment information by email or text message.

The system is intended to be quicker and more convenient for patients while reducing missed appointments and administrative costs.

Patients receive a text (and/or email) which they click on to take them to a secure DrDoctor portal. Patients will be able to see their appointment details, cancel or change appointments, and add further contact details. These should be checked regularly and kept up to date.

Patients will still receive the usual paper copy of the appointment letter; although some services are piloting digital appointment letters sent via DrDoctor too. Most patients involved in the pilot will begin to receive digital copies of their letters, although they may also automatically receive a printed copy if unable to access this digitally.

Patients may also receive ad-hoc messages from us sharing information about their appointment or their service. DrDoctor is secure and meets NHS data standards. It is a legitimate text or email from the Trust. The intention is to roll it out across all CLCH services.

More information can be found in the frequently asked questions. For more details on viewing your appointments or letters online, see the how-to guide below.

How-to guide

How do I view my digital appointment?

• You will receive a text message notifying you that you have a new appointment or letter. If we have your email, you will also receive an email.
• Follow the link in the text message to the secure DrDoctor patient portal and log in with your name, date of birth and postcode.
• To check if it is really you, we may send a unique one-time code to your mobile phone number.
• View information about your new appointment online or view your digital appointment letter. Further information about the clinical location or things to bring may be included.

How do I change how I am contacted?

• If you’re concerned we do not have the right contact information for you, please contact your service to share with us your mobile number and email. Contact information can be found in your appointment message or by looking up your service here.
• You should also check contact details in your portal that you have added are kept up to date.

How do I opt out?

You can opt out of notifications by replying STOP to any appointment notification sent to you, or by logging into the patient portal and changing your preferences.

More information about appointment messages can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.