Digital letters and text reminders at DBTH

Receiving appointment letters from the Trust online.

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Digital Letters

At the Trust, we are now using digital letters and text reminders for outpatient letters and appointments. To achieve this, we have partnered with DrDoctor, a digital health company, to deliver this service.

Using this service, you will be able to view and download your appointment letters quicker and easier than before on your mobile phone, tablet or computer.

From Monday 1 August 2023, if you view your digital letter we will no longer send you one in the post. 

If you do not view your digital letter, then do not worry as a printed letter will be on its way to you via the post.

Why are we using digital letters?

  • Let you view your letters quickly and easily.
  • Reduce confusion from lost letters or letters arriving in the wrong order.
  • Save the NHS money by reducing the amount of paper and stamps we are using.
  • Reduce our environmental impact.

What do I need to know to get started?

To access the DrDoctor secure patient portal we need your correct details on our system.  Please check with our receptionists by calling or emailing us, or on your next visit to the hospital, including:

  • Full name.
  • Date of Birth.
  • Postcode.
  • Mobile Phone Number.

If you don’t have a smartphone, you can also nominate a family member or carer, who would be able to receive the appointment letters on your behalf.

How to view your digital letter

  1. If we have your correct details we’ll send you a text message when you have a new digital letter to view online. We use the text number 07860039092.
  2. Click the drdoctor.thirdparty@nhs.uk link in your text message to go to your secure patient portal
  3. Click ‘View letter’ and log in with your last name, date of birth and postcode
  4. View and download your new digital letter online as a PDF. Your letters will be stored her for future reference.
  5. You can login from any device by visiting drdoctor.thirdparty.nhs.uk/dbth. When using a different device, we will send a code to your mobile number for security.

How to receive paper letters

The system also shows the Trust if the letter remains unread.  If this is the case we will automatically send you a paper letter if you don’t view your digital letter.

If you want to view your letter online and receive a paper letter by post you can request a paper letter.

  1. Log into your secure patient portal, going to the ‘Settings’ tab in the top right, and turn off the paperless option
  2. Reply PRINT to your text message notifying you that you have a new digital letter

Need to change or cancel your appointment? 

You can now do this through our app. Instructions can be found here: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/changing-or-cancelling-your-appointments/


Text Reminders

You may have recently received a text message which looks like the following – don’t worry it is not a scam and it is from a trusted source within the hospital and is likely to contain important information for the Trust about an upcoming appointment or similar.

For peace of mind, links contained should only be from https://nhs.my and https://www.dbth.nhs.uk and the message will come from the number 078 6003 9092

Make sure you enter the correct patient details

We are aware that sometimes patients will give the number of their partner, or instead a parent will provide a number for themselves in relation to the care of their child. If you receive correspondence, once you click the link provided, make sure you provide the correct patient name.

Changing or cancelling your appointments

Once logged in, you should see a list of all your upcoming appointments. Selecting an appointment to view will give you a few options:

  • if you’re happy with the appointment, you can add this to your phone calendar
  • if you need to amend the time or date of the appointment, you can select ‘change appointment’
  • if you wish to completely cancel the appointment, you can select ‘cancel appointment’
  • if you think the appointment has been added in error or is meant for someone else, you can select ‘I don’t recognise this appointment’

Viewing more information about your appointment

Selecting the Wayfinder (location) tab on the appointment screen will show you where your appointment will be and how you can get there. Selecting the clinic information tab will display important information about your appointment, such as if you need to bring anything with you or do anything to prepare beforehand.

Rescheduling your appointment

The rescheduling page should allow you to select from a list of available appointments (please note that this feature might not yet be available for some clinics – if this is the case this page will direct you to the appropriate booking office). Selecting a new appointment will prompt a confirmation page where you can double check the details and confirm that you would like to move your appointment.

Any questions or need to update your details?

You can update your details by calling or emailing us. Alternatively, speak with the receptionist when you next visit the hospital. Call 01302 642500 or email: dbth.contactcentre@nhs.net.

What do I need to know to get started?

To access the DrDoctor secure patient portal we need your correct details on our system. Please check with our receptionists by calling or emailing us, or on your next visit to the hospital, including:

  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • Postcode
  • Mobile phone number

Why are we using digital letters?

We are introducing digital letters to allow us to:

  • Let you view you letters quickly and easily
  • Reduce confusion from lost letters or letters arriving in the wrong order
  • Save the NHS money by reducing the amount of paper and stamps we are using
  • Reduce our environmental impact

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