Published on: 17th February 2026

We have partnered with DrDoctor, the UK’s leading patient engagement platform, to make it easier for patients to manage their mental health appointments through the NHS App. The partnership supports the NHS 10-Year Health Plan's goal of bringing care closer to home and ensuring mental health services have access to the same digital tools as physical health services.

Through DrDoctor, patients and staff will be able to manage appointments, receive digital communications, and complete forms online. The NHS App integration means patients can access their mental health care information in the same place as their other NHS services.

What’s changing for patients:

  • Appointment management: patients will be able to see their upcoming appointments through an online patient portal, making it easier to keep track. This will also reduce administrative processes for clinical teams. This is currently being piloted.
  • Online forms: patients will be able to complete questionnaires used for care planning before appointments, allowing clinicians to review information beforehand. To be rolled out later this year.
  • Digital letters: letters will be sent instantly via text or email so patients always have their records available, rather than waiting for letters to arrive by post. To be rolled out later this year.

Monique Duffy-Brogan, our chief information officer, says, “We hope to pave the way for other mental health trusts looking to improve their digital services. By investing in digital tools, we’re providing long-term solutions for our local communities that improve patient experience and care. Our partnership with DrDoctor is part of wider goal to make mental health care more accessible and reduce the administrative burden on our clinical teams.’’

Nick Barlow, transformation director at DrDoctor comments, ‘’We’re building a forward-thinking NHS where community and mental health services aren’t an afterthought. We need to free up time and processes for staff.  It's not about forcing digital on patients, it’s about making services available digitally, when patients need them.’’