Throughout November and December 2025, UHD 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 means:

  • 1

    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.

  • 2

    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. 

  • 3

    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. 

  • 4

    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. 

  • 5

    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. 

  • 6

    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. 

Find out more about the DrDoctor patient portal

Plans for NHS App service integration are underway in Dorset. 

Keep up to date with the national NHS App roadmap

Functionality may vary across the county and from your local NHS services. NHS Dorset will keep you updated with news. 

Video guides for the DrDoctor patient portal

Cancelling an appointment via DrDoctor patient portal

Rescheduling an appointment via DrDoctor patient portal

Rescheduling an appointment via SMS