The Trust's Patient Portal system allows patients to access their appointment details digitally. This is currently available for most outpatient appointments.
For letters that can be accessed via the portal, a text message is sent as per example below:
This is an important digital letter invitation from Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust with information about your appointment. Please log in to the following link with PIN 1234 and your DOB on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. Thank you http://nhsportal.net/......
The link will then bring up the sign in page:
Once the patient starts to use the Patient Portal, they can register to receive all future communication via the Portal in one place, as well as also viewing past and future appointment details.
The Portal also allows patients to confirm, rebook or cancel their appointment with one click. The patient can then add the appointment into their digital calendar as a further reminder. The Portal also allows the patient to access any additional information such as information leaflets, directions and any additional instructions and the patient can use the Portal to translate their letter in to their chosen language.
Patients who do not wish to register for the Portal will automatically get a paper letter sent to their registered address.
For further information please watch the videos below or scroll down to see our frequently asked questions.
What happens if I don’t receive or respond to the message sent to my phone?
If you don’t access your letter within 48 hours of receiving the text message the system will automatically generate a physical letter to be sent to you in the post. You’ll also automatically receive a letter after three unsuccessful login attempts to the portal.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
You will still receive a text message but won’t be able to access the portal link by your phone. Don’t worry though, a copy of the letter will automatically posted to your home address.
How do I opt in to receive digital letters?
If we have your up-to-date mobile phone number you don’t need to do anything, you’ll be automatically opted in to receiving digital appointment letters. If your details have changed please call the number on your letter so we can update your records. Don’t forget to also update your GP of any change in contact details.
If I delete the text by mistake after I have opened it up how will I remember my appointment date?
As well as the initial appointment communication, we also operate an appointment reminder service to ensure you remember the key details of your upcoming appointment. Once you have confirmed your appointment on your phone it will automatically link to your mobile phone calendar and we’ll also send you a reminder text closer to the time of your appointment.
How can I convert my digital letter to multiple languages or change the size of the text?
You can view accessibility functionality in the top right-hand corner of the page. Features include translating your appointment letter to a chosen language, creating an MP3 file, text highlighting tool, and text magnifier to allow increased text size.
If someone has my phone can they access my letter?
The patient portal features an additional level of security in that date of birth verification is required to access your appointment letter.
I am a carer and usually deal with my loved ones appointment letters – can my number be added on to receive the letters as well?
We can only send digital letters to one mobile number per patient. If you wish to change the number to yours we can do that (with consent from the patient) but please bear in mind that this will change the contact number we have for all correspondence or contact from the Trust and this will also need to be updated on their GP record. Alternatively the patient could opt out of receiving digital letters and continue to receive a letter in the post.
Will a physical letter be sent out if I do not access the digital letter?
If you do not access your letter on your mobile phone for whatever reason within 48 hours of receiving your text link, the system sends you a postal letter.