A new way for patients to manage appointments
Throughout December 2025, we are piloting automated appointment cancellation and rescheduling at 11 outpatient clinics. If you are a patient of one of these clinics you will soon be able to cancel or reschedule your appointments via SMS, email, and by logging into the DrDoctor patient portal.
This is to help us communicate with our patients quickly if there is a need to change or cancel an appointment, make best use of our clinic time, and reduce wasted time due to non attendances. Other benefits are as follows:
- You can easily change or cancel your appointment
Patients can reschedule or cancel booked appointments using a secure link sent via SMS or email, without needing to call the hospital. - You’ll see real-time appointment options
When rescheduling, patients are shown live availability of alternative appointment slots, making it easier to find a time that suits them. - Your changes are instantly updated in hospital systems
Any rescheduling or cancellation is immediately reflected in the hospital’s records ensuring accurate records and freeing up slots for others. - You stay in control, but staff can step in if needed
While the system is patient-led, hospitals may review or approve changes for certain high-priority appointments. - Fallback options are in place
If no suitable slot is selected or the rescheduling process isn’t completed, the system ensures the original appointment is retained or flagged for manual follow-up by staff. - Your data is handled securely and reliably
The system uses bi-directional integration with hospital systems and maintains a full audit trail, ensuring the appointment data is safe and traceable.
Functionality may vary across the county and from your local NHS services. NHS Dorset will keep you updated with all the latest news, and to find out more, headhere.
