We are trying out a new online forms project to help patients avoid extra hospital visits and receive care sooner.
The project, funded by NHS England, will last 18 months and use a secure online platform called DrDoctor. This platform, used by over 24 million patients across 50 NHS trusts in the UK, helps patients manage appointments and care from home.
Kath Tarn, head of outpatients and prevention at the trust, explained: “Patients often need to give us a lot of information so we can plan the best treatment. Normally, they have to come to the hospital to do this, which takes up their time and ours.
“With this new project, patients will be able to fill in these forms online instead.”
The pilot will start with patients who have colorectal cancer, allowing them to submit information online. This will save them a trip to the hospital and free up appointment slots for others who need treatment.
When patients are asked to complete a form through DrDoctor, they will receive a message from 07860 039092 or an email with a secure link. To access the system, they will need to enter their surname, date of birth, and postcode.
Fiona Cook, cancer personalised care project manager, added: “This project is about giving patients more choice. If someone prefers to come to the hospital in person, they can still do that.
This online option is an extra service, not a replacement. It’s a secure system, and we hope to expand it to other patients in the coming weeks and months.”
Clinical teams will let eligible patients know about the online form system during their treatment.
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