Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to go digital to cut paper use
It's hoped it could prevent trees being cut down - as the hospital trust sends out 70,000 letters a month
Last updated 18th Jun 2023
The Norfork and Norwich Hospital says its going to try to cut its environmental impact by making many of the letters it sends available online.
As part of a new project, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust (NNUH) will use a platform called DrDoctor to send messages to patients.
The trust sends out around 70,000 letters every month the equivalent of eight trees.
The Ear Nose and Throat clinic will be to first to trial the new scheme, with other hospital departments to follow.
Patients unable to get online, or who prefer paper letters, will still be able to access physical copies.
Chris Cobb, NNUH Chief Operating Officer, said:
“We are pleased to be working with DrDoctor on this project, which means patients can view their letters quickly and easily in one place.
"It will help to reduce confusion from lost letters, or if they arrive in the wrong order, and will make the patient experience smoother.
“As well as benefits for patients, this service will help to reduce our environmental impact and provide a better value for money by reducing the amount of paper and postage costs.”