Introducing our enhanced patient portal
Should your test results be released to you via the patient portal as soon as they become available? At the moment, some of your test results are shared with you after three weeks. Researchers from the University of East Anglia want to know if you think this should change.
Find out more and share your views in this survey, with the chance to win 1 of 3 £50 shopping vouchers.
In November, we are upgrading our Patient Portal. While we prepare for this launch, registration for the current portal has been closed.
The current portal (Healthelife) will be replaced by a new patient portal (Patient Portal UK) to enhance the experience of managing your health information online. It will improve your experience when using mobile devices, which ensures that you can access the information you need at a time, and on a device, which suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What does this upgrade mean for me?
If you are an existing user, the current version of the patient portal will be unavailable from Monday, 11 November to Tuesday, 19 November to allow us to make these important updates. You will receive communication about this by email and text.
You will be able to re-register for the new patient portal from Tuesday, 19 November.
Patients who currently use the NHS App will be able to log in to the new portal using their existing NHS App credentials.
If you are not currently using the NHS App, it’s best to register before signing up to the new patient portal as you’ll need your NHS App login credentials.
Will I lose any information during this upgrade?
No, you won’t lose any of your important medical information. All your health records and data will be available in the new patient portal.
I’m expecting a baby and use the patient portal for my handheld notes, what happens if I need to access the portal during the downtime?
If you're expecting a baby and use the portal for your handheld notes, don't worry. If you’re away and can’t access the portal, you can still get the care you need.
If needed, your healthcare team at the hospital can access your records, if you are away and seek medical treatment, your clinician can contact the hospital directly to provide them with the medical information they need quickly.
Follow our guide to download your notes to your own device.
How do I register for the new version of the patient portal?
- Receive your invitation:
- If you’re an existing user, you’ll get a message inviting you to register for the new patient portal.
- Decide if you want to register:
- If you don’t want to register, reply with ‘Opt Out’.
- If you want to join, continue to the next step.
- Log in with NHS App credentials:
- You’ll be prompted to log in with your NHS App details.
- Enter your NHS email address and password.
- Verify your identity:
- A 6-digit security code will be sent to your mobile phone. Enter that code when prompted.
- Set your communication preferences:
- Choose how you’d like to receive messages (e.g., email or phone).
- Choose paper or paper-free:
- Decide if you want to go paper-free (get digital letters) or receive paper letters. Receiving information digitally helps save the NHS money.
- Finish your registration:
- Once everything is set, click ‘Finish’.
- Log in to the portal:
- You’ll see a login screen. Enter your details to access the portal.
- View your appointments:
- Once logged in, you’ll be able to see your upcoming appointments right away.
- Explore the portal:
- You can also look around the portal to access other features and information.
What are the benefits of this upgrade?
The new patient portal will make it easier for you to access your medical information. It offers a user-friendly design, so it will be easier to find what you need, such as test results or appointments.
It also offers an improved mobile device experience, ensuring that you can access the information you need at a time, and on a device, which suits you. This change is all about making your healthcare more accessible and convenient.
The new portal features an easy registration process with NHS login integration, meaning you will use your NHS App login details.
What if I do not want to use the new patient portal?
If you decide that you no longer wish to use the portal anymore, then you do not have to re-register for the new portal. You will continue to receive your appointment information through paper letters.
If you do register for the new portal, you can choose to de-register. Please follow the below steps to complete this process:
- Log into your account
- Select the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top right and select "My Details"
- At the bottom of this page you will see a red "Delete my account" button, select this
- Now follow the instructions presented on the screen
If you decide to delete your account, you will be given an option at the end of the process to stop text messages being sent to you. If you choose to no longer receive text messages, you will instead receive paper letters from your hospital. You will also receive a text message confirmation at the end of the process informing you how you can opt back into text notifications if you change your mind later.
I don’t have a mobile phone, does this mean I can’t access the new portal?
We understand that accessing the new patient portal is important to you. To keep your information secure, the portal requires a mobile phone to receive a security code during registration and following logins. Unfortunately, without a mobile phone, you won’t be able to register or access the portal at this time. You will still receive your paper letters in the post.
I access the portal on my computer, will that be the same?
You can access the new patient portal on your computer. However, to keep your account secure, you will need a mobile phone to also receive a security code during the registration and login process. Once you enter the code, you’ll be able to use the portal on your computer.
Can I use the NHS App on my computer?
If you can’t use the NHS App on a mobile device, you can log in to your NHS account on the NHS website. This allows you to access services on your desktop, laptop, mobile, or tablet through your web browser.
However, to access our patient portal, you will need a mobile phone number that starts with 07. This is required to receive a security code by text message, which helps keep your data safe.
I can no longer attend my appointment
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. If you miss an appointment and have not called to cancel it, we may not be able to offer you another one.
Outpatient appointments: 01284 713000
X-ray, antenatal, physiotherapy, admissions and diagnostic tests, call and ask to speak to the relevant department: 01284 713000
Eye treatment clinic follow up appointments: 01284 713815
My details are incorrect
Please contact the Health Records team on 01284 713937 or please email accesshealthrecords@wsh.nhs.uk giving your name, date of birth and address.