Patient Engagement Portal (PEP)

Healthcare can sometimes feel like a lot, letters arriving at different times, appointment details to keep track of, and updates you don’t want to miss. The Patient Engagement Portal (PEP) is here to make all of that a bit easier.

The PEP is a simple, secure NHS space where your important hospital information comes together in one place. It helps you stay up to date with things like appointment details, clinic letters and helpful questionnaires that support your care. It also means information reaches you more quickly, reduces delays from paper letters and gives you more choice in how you receive updates. And whether you prefer digital information or good old‑fashioned paper, you stay in control.

We are introducing the Patient Engagement Portal in stages across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare. Rolling the portal out gradually helps us make sure it is easy to use, accessible and genuinely helpful for patients, families, carers and staff. A phased rollout also means we can listen to feedback, improve the system as we go and provide the right support to each team before they go live.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us by emailing:

hiowh.patientengagementportal@nhs.net

The following services are currently using the Patient Engagement Portal:

The PEP brings together key information about your care, including:

  • Appointment details such as dates, times and locations.
  • Clinic letters, Appointment letters, Care Plans 
  • Questionnaires to support your care and help prepare for appointments.
  • Updates and notifications when appointments change.

It’s all about keeping things clear, simple and easy to access.

You may hear from the PEP when:

  • A new appointment has been arranged.
  • Something has changed with an upcoming appointment.
  • You have a clinic letter ready to view.
  • You’re due a reminder — some services send reminders 7 days and 48 hours before your appointment.

It’s simply a way to keep you informed, sooner.

We know that receiving the right information at the right time is important. The PEP helps by:

  • Getting information to you quickly and securely.
  • Reducing delays caused by postal issues
  • Cutting down on missed appointments thanks to timely reminders. 
  • Freeing up NHS staff time so they can focus more on patient care. 

It’s another step towards more modern, accessible and personalised healthcare.

You’re always in control of how you manage your care.

Using the Patient Engagement Portal is completely your choice.Everyone has different needs, preferences and comfort levels when it comes to technology and that’s absolutely okay.

If the PEP doesn’t feel right for you, or you simply prefer more traditional ways of staying in touch, you can continue to manage your healthcare in the ways that already work for you.

You can still choose:

  • Paper letters
  • Phone calls
  • Text messages
  • In‑person conversations
  • Support from family, carers or trusted people

Nothing will change or stop if you decide not to use the PEP.You will always receive the same care, support and information as everyone else.

It’s okay to change your mind

You can start using the PEP later if you feel ready, or you can use it only for the parts that feel helpful.You decide what works best for you.

If digital tools feel overwhelming

Lots of people feel unsure about technology you’re not alone.If you’d like help exploring the PEP, we’re here to guide you gently and at your pace.If not, that’s perfectly fine too.

However you choose to manage your care, we will always support you.Your comfort, confidence and wellbeing come first.

Logging in to the Patient Engagement Portal should feel easy and secure.You don’t need to be an expert with technology, the PEP is designed to keep things simple, protect your information, and give you control over who can see your health details.

You can sign in safely using an NHS‑approved login. This helps make sure you are the only person who can access your information, unless you choose to share it with someone you trust.If logging in feels unfamiliar or you’re worried about remembering details, don’t worry we’re here to guide you, and you can always choose to continue using letters, phone calls or face‑to‑face conversations instead.

The Portal is here to support you, not replace the ways you already feel comfortable communicating.

You can log in using a secure NHS login. This helps keep your information safe and ensures only the right people can access your records.

No. just an email address and a way to receive a code (like a phone). If you don’t have these, or don’t feel confident using them, you can continue using letters, phone calls or face‑to‑face options instead.

Yes. The PEP uses trusted NHS security. Only you or someone you’ve chosen and given permission to can see your information.

Don’t worry. You can reset them easily, and support is available if you need help.

Only if you choose to give them permission through something called proxy access, which means someone is allowed to act on your behalf. This can also happen if they have a legal right to support your care, such as having Power of Attorney or a Court of Protection Deputyship.

That’s completely fine. You can still receive your information and manage your care through paper letters, phone calls or in‑person conversations. The PEP is optional and not compulsory.

Proxy access means giving a trusted person permission to use the Patient Engagement Portal on your behalf.They can help you manage appointments, view information and support your care — only if you want them to.

Some people also have legal rights to support your care.This includes individuals who hold:

  • Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare)
  • Court‑appointed Deputyship (Personal Welfare)

If someone has one of these legal roles, they may be able to act on your behalf and access information or make decisions to support your care.We will always check the legal documents carefully to make sure access is handled safely, respectfully and in line with the law.

You are still involved in decisions as much as possible, and access can be reviewed if your situation or preferences change.

Anyone you trust, such as:

  • a partner or spouse
  • an adult child
  • a parent
  • a family member
  • a friend
  • a carer or support worker
  • an advocate

You decide what’s right for you.

This depends on what you choose. A proxy might:

  • help manage appointments
  • see updates or letters
  • complete forms with you or for you
  • share changes or concerns with your care team
  • help keep track of your care

You stay in control of what they can see and do.

Absolutely. You can change your mind at any time.You are always in control.

People choose proxy access for many personal reasons, such as:

  • finding digital tools difficult or stressful
  • wanting help keeping track of appointments
  • managing long‑term conditions
  • sharing caring responsibilities within the family
  • needing help remembering details
  • feeling overwhelmed by admin
  • wanting support from someone they trust

There’s no “right” reason — it’s about what helps you feel supported.

  • Parents and carers can usually support young children by managing their information.
  • When a young person turns 16, they will be asked directly about who they want involved.
  • They can choose to keep, change or remove access as they wish.
  • We guide families through this kindly and safely.

If you have a Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare) or a Deputyship, the PEP can recognise this safely.We’ll help set the correct access based on the legal document.

Yes. Many people have shared caring responsibilities.You can choose more than one trusted supporter, each with different access if needed.

No. No one will be given access unless:

  • you give permission, or
  • there is a formal legal arrangement already in place.

Your information is protected, and you are always asked first.

That’s completely okay. You don’t have to decide straight away.We can talk it through with you and help you choose what feels right and safe.

If you think someone has access they shouldn’t have or you want to make a change contact us straight away.We’ll help fix it quickly and kindly.

Patient Engagement Portal Resources and Guidance

Accessibility tools

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