A new email-based system to send appointment letters will significantly improve the way Health New Zealand communicates with South Island patients, the agency says.

However, to ensure patients receive these communications, they are being asked to not automatically consider them spam but follow the verification process outlined below instead.

“Currently, 1.2 million appointment letters are posted annually in the South Island, yet it’s not the most efficient way for patients to receive information promptly or securely," Health NZ regional group manager Kirsty Martin said. 

"[Starting this week] patients who have previously provided Health NZ with an email address will receive an email prompting them to visit a secure website to validate their email address.

"Once they have validated their email address, they will receive their future appointment letters by email.”

Responding to the email is a simple verification process that will enable Health NZ to send information about appointments and other important health information by secure email.

Some appointment information will continue to be sent via post when email is not appropriate, for example when a patient is asked to return information to Health NZ that is relevant to their appointment.

The system is being rolled out across most of the South Island, including the Southern District, at present.

"As well as added security, patients will receive their appointment details faster, [the switch to email] supports environmental sustainability and, depending on the uptake, reduces the cost associated with traditional postal services,” Kirsty said.

When patients receive an email they should check their email inbox (and Junk/Spam folders) for a verification email (from [email protected]); click on the link in the email to confirm their email address and to consent to receiving health information electronically; and once verified, they will start receiving appointment letters via email.

This service is optional, and patients who prefer traditional mail will continue to receive appointment letters via post.

PHOTO: Wānaka App