From Tuesday 11 June 2024, patients using the NHS app to view their upcoming eye care appointments at Moorfields will now be able to receive notifications and messages.
The NHS app enables you to see any Moorfields Eye Hospital appointments that have been added to the DrDoctor portal, alongside appointments you may have at other trusts who are also linked up with the NHS app.
From 11 June, if you have your notifications switched on in the NHS app, you will receive alert notifications and messages for the following:
- Appointment confirmation
- Appointment reminders
- Cancelled or rescheduled appointments
If notifications and messages are successfully delivered but you do not acknowledge them within eight hours of them being sent or by 9pm, whichever comes first, the communication will revert to the fallback mechanism already in place for your preferred method of contact of text message and/or email, to ensure you do not miss details of any updates or changes.
Benefits of the NHS app
The NHS app aims to bring patient healthcare information together in one place, making it easier for you to manage referrals, appointments, and follow up care with trusts who are using the NHS app. You can read more about the app and how to use it, in our FAQs below.
For more information on using the NHS app, please read our FAQs below:
I’m already using DrDoctor, why do I need the NHS app?
If you are already signed up to receive your information digitally via the DrDoctor portal, you can continue to use this service.
DrDoctor offers a wider range of services not yet available via the NHS app, such as digital surveys, patient-initiated follow ups, and broadcast messaging, which is why it is recommended that you continue to use DrDoctor if you also download the NHS app.
The NHS app will show any appointments you have at Moorfields that already appear on the DrDoctor portal. The benefit of using the app alongside DrDoctor is that you will be able to view all your healthcare appointments (with trusts who are using the app) in one place.
From June 11, you will receive notifications and messages from the app to alert you of the following:
- Appointment confirmation
- Appointment reminders
- Cancelled or rescheduled appointments
If notifications and messages are successfully delivered, but you do not acknowledge them within eight hours of being sent or by 9pm, whichever comes first,
the communication will revert to the fallback mechanism already in place of text message and or email, to ensure you do not miss details of any updates or changes.
You will need to ensure you have your notifications switched on in the NHS app to receive your notifications and messages.
I’m not using DrDoctor – do I need to sign up for this and download the NHS app?
If you aren’t currently using DrDoctor, you can contact us using the phone number on your letter and ask us to update your preferences, so that you can receive your information digitally. You can also email us at moorfields.outpatientbookingsbc@nhs.net
We recommend you also download the NHS app, as this will provide you with information on any healthcare appointments you have with other trusts (that are using the NHS app), as well as being able to view your appointments with Moorfields.
How do I download the NHS app?
For more information on how the NHS app works, including how to download it, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-app.
Here you will find more information on the app, along with useful videos and other resources to help you get a better understanding of how it works.
You can also watch this short video on how to view your appointments using the NHS app.
How accessible is the NHS app for people with accessible needs?
On a phone or tablet you can use the built-in Apple iOS or Android accessibility settings to make some parts of the NHS App more accessible.
You can also log in from the NHS website. By changing the settings on your web browser or computer you should be able to:
- Change colours, contrast levels and fonts.
- Zoom in up to 200% with the text staying visible on the screen.
- Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard.
- Navigate most of the website using speech recognition software.
- Listen to most of the website using a screen reader, including the latest versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver.
You can read more about the accessibility of the app by clicking on the link below:
I’m already using the NHS app – how do I access my Moorfields appointments on here?
From 26 March 2024, your appointment information at Moorfields will automatically appear on your healthcare record on the NHS app if you are registered on the DrDoctor portal.
Why can’t I see my past appointments in the NHS app?
Appointments are only shown on the portal until the day of the appointment. Once the appointment date has passed, they will no longer show on the system. If you need information about past appointments, please contact Moorfields using the phone number on your appointment letter.
How has my data from Moorfields been shared with the NHS app – how do I know it is secure?
Your patient data remains safely secure on the DrDoctor servers and is only viewable to you on the NHS app once you have downloaded it.
If you are not sure about your data on DrDoctor, or have any questions, you can contact us, and we can provide further guidance. Please email any queries to our Patient Advice and Liaison (PALs) team at moorfields.pals@nhs.net
What if I don’t want to use the NHS app? Will I no longer be able to access my appointment information online?
If you decide not to use the NHS app, you will still receive notifications about your appointments with us via DrDoctor if you are registered to use this service.
Downloading the NHS app will help you to better manage all your healthcare appointments in one place.
I don’t have a smartphone – will I no longer receive information about my appointments if I can’t use DrDoctor or the NHS app?
Patients who aren’t using DrDoctor will continue to receive their information via letter through the post.
If your circumstances have changed, and you can now receive your information digitally, please contact us and we can update your records. You can email us at moorfields.outpatientbookingsbc@nhs.net
video transcript
On the homepage of the NHS app you can check, confirm and change details of your upcoming hospital appointments.
Scroll down and select upcoming and past appointments. You will see details of any upcoming referrals and appointments
To see the details and reply to any actions, click on the green box next to the referral or appointment.
If you need help visit: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp.