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Text message reminders and digital letters

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Registering for the Patient Portal

Before your hospital appointment, if you are not already registered for the West Suffolk Patient Portal, you will receive a text message from WestSuffNHS with a secure link.

Click the link and follow the steps to register. You will need your NHS App login details to sign in.

You can still receive text reminders even if you do not register, but we recommend signing up so you can view your full appointment details and digital letters.

Please note that the NHS App and the Patient Portal are separate. You will need access to both.

Once registered, you can view your records and digital letters at any time.

If you do not have an appointment or have problems registering, complete the support webform or email patientportal@wsh.nhs.uk.

Using NHS App login to access the Portal

You will need to use your NHS App login to securely access the Patient Portal.

If you already have an NHS login, use your existing details to sign in.

If not, you can create one by selecting “Continue with NHS login” and following the steps.

To set up an NHS login, you’ll need:

  • an email address
  • a mobile phone (a security code will be sent to you)

To access all features in the Portal, NHS login requires the highest level of identity verification, which includes checking your photo ID.

Learn more about setting up your NHS App login.

Text message reminders

You will receive text messages from WestSuffNHS with your appointment details, and a reminder for most clinics.

Where possible, please read your appointment letter online.

If you cannot attend, or need transport or an interpreter, call the number on your appointment letter.

You cannot reply to these messages.

Digital letters

When a new letter is available:

  1. You’ll receive a text message when a new appointment letter is available.
  2. Click the secure link to the Patient Portal.
  3. Log in using your NHS login.
  4. View or download your letter (PDF). Your letters will remain stored in your Portal account.

Paper letters

If you prefer paper letters, you can continue to receive them by post. When registering for the Portal, you can choose your paperless preference.

To change this later:

  • Log in to the Portal
  • Go to Account
  • Select Change under letter delivery
  • Choose your preference and save

Digital letters help make sure you receive information quickly, reduce problems caused by lost or delayed post, save NHS resources and lessen our environmental impact.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)