Our new patient portal – Patients Know Best (PKB) – is currently being developed and you can register now via the NHS app. You can also check our step by step guide on how to register.
We want to ensure everyone is able to get the right treatment when they need it. Later this year we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to take your treatment into your own hands from any device with the launch of our patient portal.
The portal – powered by Patients Know Best (PKB) – works a bit like online banking, but you can use it to manage your health with all data stored securely, completely free of charge.
From the start, you will be able to access appointment letters, see appointment details and access online information and resources about your care. This will mean being able to amend and cancel appointments with the click of a button instead of calling in, as well as getting notifications and reminders about upcoming and newly booked appointments.
As the portal is developed there will eventually be access to clinic letters, test results, care plans, information about allergies, medication lists, discharge summaries, and other health information.
In future, the patient portal will let those with long-term conditions play an active role in their own healthcare, such as sending their own glucose, weight or heart readings to health teams, and preventing unnecessary visits to hospital.
Benefits of using our patient portal
- Easy to use. Accessible in simple steps and linked in with the NHS app.
- Take control of your own care. Accessing the portal can save you time on hold on the phone and you can amend and change appointments with the click of a button.
- The right care, at the right time for you. Patients will be able to initiate their follow up appointments giving them control over their follow up care.
- Everything all in one place. Patients also have their records in one place, which means you don’t have to carry everything with them.
- Don’t miss out. Risk of losing letters or them going missing in the post will be reduced.
- Help us go greener! Reduce carbon emissions, replacing in-person patient appointments, attendance and communication with remote interaction reduces carbon emission and air pollution emitted from trips to the hospital.
- Help our staff. Using the system also benefits our teams and enables us to see more people, giving everyone access to quicker care.
- Secure. Your medical records are safe.
Find out more about this service including how your data will be protected
We are finalising the development of the new portal and you will find all the latest updates on this page, as well as some frequently asked questions below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Will this affect or change the care I receive?
No, this will not affect the care you already receive from us. Instead, it’s designed to improve your care and experience, help you to be more involved in decisions, get better explanations from us, and give you the tools to manage your care safely at home.
How do I register for Patients Know Best (PKB)?
Our new patient portal is currently being developed and you can register now via the NHS app. You can also check our step by step guide on how to register.
Find out more about other ways to register (e.g letter invite, SMS or email).
Is the system secure?
The portal (Patients Know Best) is compliant with the NHS network, so it’s just as secure as the information your healthcare providers already hold on you. However, it’s unique because it also gives you, the patient, access to your information via any web-enabled device. Patient information is encrypted (or coded) and only people who have permission to view your information can do so.
We encrypt data in both transit (i.e. when the information comes in and out) and storage.
What if I don't have an NHS login?
If you do not have an existing NHS login, don’t worry. You will be prompted to create one after entering your email from the NHS login sign in page.
If you do not have the NHS App, you can download it here.
What does PKB look like?
Here’s an example of what you’ll see after you’ve registered:
What happens if I don't want to use the portal?
This is your choice if you want to interact with the hospital in a digital way and requires you to ‘opt in’. Ignore the emails inviting you to register if you choose not to use this method.
Why is the portal empty?
Some patients may not have any information in their records when they first register however this will change over time as you visit the hospital for treatment. You can still add your own information, such as tracking your symptoms or recording any medication you take.