Following the successful pilot in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department at the trust earlier this year, the portal is now available for digital letter appointments across clinics in Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Urology, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Respiratory, Colorectal and many more. Additional clinics services will continue to be added throughout 2025.

Since the initial launch, the trust has seen more than 26,000 letters uploaded to the system and a reduction in paper letters of over 70%. A paper copy of the appointment letter is available if patients reply "Print" to the text message. If the digital letter isn't viewed, a copy will be sent in the post.

The PEP also enables the trust to contact patients if short-notice slots become available, helping to efficiently use clinic slots and reduce waiting times.

Rebecca Gallimore, director of digital transformation, said: ‘We're thrilled to see the positive impact of DrDoctor across more departments. The integration with the NHS App is a clear indicator that our digital transformation is improving patient experience and operational efficiency.

‘We're committed to continuing this rollout and ensuring all patients benefit from our digital improvements.'