{"id":3,"date":"2025-06-04T10:37:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T09:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/?page_id=3"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:27:02","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/","title":{"rendered":"Electronic Letters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Letters from NHS Lothian sent electronically<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re moving over to sending letters electronically meaning you can view your administration letters on your mobile phone, tablet or computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across NHS Lothian we send a high volume of letters by post each month.&nbsp; To help us reach patients quicker, reduce costs and reduce the environmental impact, we are moving to sending our administration letters electronically where possible.&nbsp; By administration letters, we mean letters such as Appointment, Cancellation, Add to Waiting List, Admission and Rescheduled appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a mobile phone then you don\u2019t need to wait for your administration letter to arrive in the post anymore as you will receive notification to view your letter at the click of a button via our online portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry about missing a letter as if you don\u2019t open the electronic letter- within 48 hours a hard copy paper version will be sent to you by post. If you don\u2019t have a mobile phone, or you\u2019ve not given us your mobile number, you will continue to receive paper letters in the post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need help with any technical issues on the portal, please email <a href=\"mailto:patientletters.support@nhs.scot\">patientletters.support@nhs.scot<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With electronic letters you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Change the text size of your letter, zoom in or out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have the letter read out to you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change the letter to another language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Download the letter to your device (phone, tablet, laptop, computer), securely email it to yourself or someone else or print it if desired<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatically add the date of your appointment\/admission to your phone\u2019s calendar at the click of a button<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save the printing and postage costs for NHS Lothian, which is also better for the environment as well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch this video to see how it works in detail:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Patient portal video no self check in\" width=\"1520\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/61790VBD6MI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Patient Portal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens when you receive the text message?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will receive a text message to your mobile phone with an invitation to view your letter \u2013 it will come from \u2018NHS Lothian \u2018 and say \u2018<br>This is an important digital letter from NHS Lothian for [&#8211;Patients Name&#8211;] with information about your care. Please log in to the following link with PIN xxxx and your Date of Birth on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. Thank you [&#8211;PortalLink&#8211;]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When you enter the Patient Portal, put in your date of birth and unique four-digit PIN from the text message. This will take you to your letter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can download the letter and\/or add the appointment\/admission to your own calendar. It\u2019s quick, easy, safe and secure and should the digital letter not be opened within 48 hours the system will automatically print and post a copy out to your address.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Instructions for downloading\/emailing\/printing from the patient portal<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Downloading<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>How to download a copy of your digital letter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Download.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Download.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Download-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Download the digital letter by clicking the &#8220;Download&#8221; button at the bottom left of the screen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Printing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>How to print a copy of your digital letter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_More.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_More.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_More-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Select the &#8220;More&#8221; button at the bottom right of the screen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Print.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Print.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Print-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the next page select the &#8220;Print Letter&#8221; option<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Select_Printer.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Select_Printer.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Select_Printer-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the next page select your home printer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Email<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>How to securely email a copy of your digital letter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_More.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-557\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_More.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_More-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Select the &#8220;More&#8221; button at the bottom right of the screen<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Email.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Email.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Email-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the next page select the &#8220;Email Letter&#8221; option<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"165\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Enter_Email.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Enter_Email.png 165w, https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/136\/2024\/04\/Mobile_Enter_Email-164x300.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 165px) 100vw, 165px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Enter the email you want to send a copy of your letter to. You\u2019ll then be asked to create a password which will be needed to open the letter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-30\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>What happens if I don\u2019t receive or respond to the message sent to my phone?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-30\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>If you don\u2019t access your letter within 48 hours of receiving the text message the system will automatically generate a paper letter which will be sent to you in the post. You\u2019ll also automatically receive a paper letter after three unsuccessful login attempts to the portal. If you need help with any technical issues on the portal, please email <a href=\"mailto:patientletters.support@nhs.scot\">patientletters.support@nhs.scot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\"><h2 id=\"at-323\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\">How do I update my mobile phone number?<\/h2><div id=\"ac-323\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n\n<p>If you need to update your mobile phone number, please call the number provided on your appointment letter. Alternatively, you can contact the department you are waiting to hear from.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-31\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\">How long will my letter be available to view online?<\/h2><div id=\"ac-31\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>Your letter will remain available to view online for 10 days after your appointment date, provided you have read the letter online within 48 hours of receiving the text message.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-32\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>What if I don\u2019t have a smart phone?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-32\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>You will still receive a text message but won\u2019t be able to access the portal link from your phone. You can still open the link on any other device with an internet browser (table, laptop, computer). Don\u2019t worry though, a hard copy of the letter will automatically be sent to your home address if you do not login as described above.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-33\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>How do I opt in to receive digital letters?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-33\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>If we have your mobile number you are automatically opted in to receive digital letters. If your details have changed please call the number on your letter with your full name, date-of-birth and postcode or your CHI number if you know it so we can update your records.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-34\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>If I delete the text by mistake after I have opened it up, how will I remember my appointment\/admission date?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-34\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>There is an option to add the appointment\/admission to your phone calendar when you open the digital letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will also continue to send our appointment\/admission reminder text messages 3 days ahead of your appointment\/admission.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-35\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>Can I opt out of digital letters?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-35\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to receive appointment\/admission information via text messages, contact the number on your letter with your full name, date-of-birth and postcode or your CHI number if you know it.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-36\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>How can I convert my digital letter to multiple languages or change the size of the text?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-36\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>You can view accessibility functionality in the top right-hand corner of the page. Features include translating your administration letter to a chosen language, creating an MP3 file, text highlighting tool, and text magnifier to allow increased text size.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-37\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>If someone has my phone can they access my letter?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-37\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>The system is secure \u2013 you need to put your date of birth and the pin from the text message in to be able to access your administration letter.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-38\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>I am a carer and usually deal with my loved ones letters \u2013 can my number be added on to receive the letters as well<\/strong>?<\/h2><div id=\"ac-38\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>We can only send digital letters to one mobile number per patient. If you wish to change the number to yours we can do that (with consent from the patient) but please bear in mind that this will change the contact number held on the hospital system Please speak to the relevant speciality admin team. Alternatively, the patient could opt out of receiving digital letters and continue to receive a letter in the post.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-39\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>How do I know the message is genuine and from you?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-39\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>The patient notification message will come from \u2018NHS Lothian\u2019 rather than a number. &nbsp;You will be asked to use your date of birth and the PIN we have sent you.&nbsp; We would not ask you for any other personal details.&nbsp; Should the digital letter not be opened within 48 hours the system will automatically print and post a copy out to your address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The http link is only a landing URL and once clicked on it redirects to an https.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-pb-accordion-item c-accordion__item js-accordion-item no-js\" data-initially-open=\"false\" data-click-to-close=\"true\" data-auto-close=\"true\" data-scroll=\"false\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\"><h2 id=\"at-310\" class=\"c-accordion__title js-accordion-controller\" role=\"button\"><strong>How do I get a print out of my letter?<\/strong><\/h2><div id=\"ac-310\" class=\"c-accordion__content\">\n<p>Whilst the benefits of digital letters include saving on postage and paper, we understand that sometimes you may need a physical copy of your letter. You can download the letter to any device and print or if you don\u2019t have a printer but know someone who has you can securely email a copy of the letter from the portal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Letters from NHS Lothian sent electronically We&rsquo;re moving over to sending letters electronically meaning you can view your administration letters on your mobile phone, tablet or computer. Across NHS Lothian we send a high volume of letters by post each month.&nbsp; To help us reach patients quicker, reduce costs and reduce the environmental impact, we<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-3","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/author\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":false,"rttpg_excerpt":"Letters from NHS Lothian sent electronically We&rsquo;re moving over to sending letters electronically meaning you can view your administration letters on your mobile phone, tablet or computer. Across NHS Lothian we send a high volume of letters by post each month.&nbsp; To help us reach patients quicker, reduce costs and reduce the environmental impact, we","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3745,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3\/revisions\/3745"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/electronicletters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}