Digital hospital letters
We now send most hospital letters online. This means you’ll get a text message or email telling you that your letter is ready to read.
You can read your letter in the East Kent Hospitals Patient Portal – this is a safe website where you can also see your appointments.
To use the Patient Portal, you need to sign up first.
How to sign up to use the Patient Portal
Why are we sending letters online?
Sending letters online:
Is faster and safer than using the post
Saves the NHS money – in East Kent Hospitals, we send over 22,000 letters every week
Can be easier to read than printed letters.
Can I still get my letter by post?
Yes. You can ask us to post the letter by clicking the link in your email or text message.
What if I miss the email or text?
If you don’t open your digital letter:
Within 3 working days (for standard letters), or
Within 1 working day (for letters you need to receive quickly),
we’ll send you a paper copy in the post.
What if you don’t have my email or phone number?
Don’t worry – we’ll send your letter by post.
Will all my letters be online?
Most will be, but some letters still need to be posted, including:
Letters with test kits
Letters for children under 13
Letters for people who have asked for paper-only letters.
Will I get both a digital and paper letter?
No – if you open your digital letter in time, we won’t send a paper one.
If you don’t open it in time, we’ll send a paper copy automatically.
How is my data used?
We keep your information safe. You can read more in our Patient Preferencing Privacy Notice.