In May 2024, UHB began sending text and email notifications to patients confirming receipt of their GP referral. The message also advises that the hospital will be reviewing the referral and planning the next steps.
From August 2024 onwards, this service will include non-GP referrals as well.
If you have been referred by your dentist, optometrist, orthoptist, private GP or another external consultant, you will also receive a welcome message acknowledging that we have received your referral.
We are using our digital communications partner, DrDoctor, to message patients. Emails and text notifications will be sent from the following:
The message will also encourage patients to download the NHS App, which allows you to view future outpatient appointments and receive reminder notifications. To download the app, visit:
We are also introducing automated voice calls for patients who have a landline telephone number only. This is so we can reach as many patients as possible and provide reassurance that their referral has been received.
FAQS
I haven’t received a text message or email about my recent referral, has it been received?
The new digital communication system was implemented on the 2 May 2024, therefore if your referral was received before this date, you won’t receive a text or email notification.
If your referral has been sent in after the 2 May 2024 and you haven’t received a text or an email, then it is possible we have incorrect contact details for you. Please contact the Booking Centre team and they will update your contact details.
I have changed my email address and/or phone number – what should I do?
If you think we have incorrect contact details for you, please contact the Booking Centre Team and they will update them for you.
How do I download the NHS App?
There is a website link at the end of your text message and/or email which will direct you to the NHS website providing more information about the NHS App and how to download it onto your smart device.
The app is a really useful tool which allows you to view future outpatient appointments and receive reminder notifications of forthcoming outpatient appointments. To download the app, visit:
How can I opt out of text and/or email notifications?
You can personalise the communication that you receive from the Trust by visiting the DrDoctor patient portal and updating your settings. Your patient portal only allows you to make changes, but it can be done easily.
For outpatient appointments only, if you opt out of receiving digital communication you will receive appointment letters in the post.
Please note: you will not receive outpatient appointment reminders or other useful information by text message or email if you opt out of digital communication.
If you do not have access to the internet, you can reply STOP to any text message you receive, which will end the text message reminder service.
If you change your mind in the future, you can type in START and this will restart text message reminders/digital communication updates for you.
How can I get updates on the progress of my referral?
Your clinician will review the information sent in your referral letter. There are occasions when offering an immediate outpatient appointment may not be the best or quickest way of ensuring you receive treatment at the earliest opportunity.
For example, our hospital clinicians may send advice and guidance back to your GP so you can receive care locally at your GP surgery, or they might need to arrange for you to have a test before your outpatient appointment.
After reviewing your referral letter, if the hospital team decides that the best plan is not an outpatient appointment, they will be in touch to let you know the next steps.
I no longer need my outpatient appointment - what do I need to do?
If you don’t need your outpatient appointment, please contact the Booking Centre and they will cancel any future outpatient appointment for you.
Letting us know early allows us to offer the appointment slot to another patient.
I wasn’t aware that I had been referred to the hospital. What is this referral about?
If you are unsure why you have been referred, or feel this isn’t necessary, please contact whoever referred you to discuss this and they will be able to advise.
Last reviewed: 21 August 2024
