Patients in Walsall will soon be able to receive their outpatient appointment letters digitally, thanks to the launch of a new Patient Engagement Portal.

The new portal at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will give patients a single, convenient place to view their appointment letters and manage their bookings — including the ability to message to confirm, cancel, or request to rebook appointments online.

Digital letters can be translated into more than 100 languages and include accessibility options such as adjustable font sizes and background colour changes, helping to make information clearer and easier to read.

Using the digital service is entirely optional. Patients who prefer not to receive digital communications, or who do not view their digital letter within 48 hours, will automatically be sent a printed version by post.

Nick Bruce, Group Director of Digital Technology, said: “We are really excited to launch this new system. It will make the appointment process easier for our patients giving them all the information they need at their fingertips. It will also allow them to have more control over their appointments.

“You can access the Patient Engagement Portal using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

“The system is interactive, as well as the ability to translate the letters into multiple languages.

“It will help us to improve communication with our patients and means they can avoid making unnecessary calls to secretaries and the booking and scheduling department.

“Other benefits include – you can add your appointment to your device calendar to get reminders and you can view your appointment details instantly as there’s no need to wait for them to arrive by post.

“The portal will also enable departments to have more visibility of the clinics’ capacities in real time. This will result in increased utilisation of the clinics and help to reduce the number of patients waiting for appointments.

“Overall, it is a better, much smoother system which will enhance the patient experience.”

Patients will receive a text to their mobile phone with a secure link and 4-digit PIN. To access the letter patients click the link to their secure access page and enter the PIN and date of birth and their appointment letter appears.