Patients at eleven outpatient clinics in Dorset will be able to cancel or rearrange their appointments online during December as part of a new pilot.
The approach is being tested to help teams update bookings quickly when changes are needed and to reduce missed appointments.
Patients included in the pilot will receive a secure link by text or email, allowing them to adjust their booking without phoning the hospital.
Real-time appointment options will be shown when rescheduling so patients can choose a slot that fits their plans.
Any change made through the system is updated immediately in hospital records to keep information accurate and make unused slots available for others.
The process is patient-led, but hospital staff may step in for higher-priority appointments that need review.
If a suitable alternative is not selected or the process is not completed, the original booking will be kept or flagged for staff to follow up.
The system uses secure links, full audit trails and direct integration with hospital systems to protect patient information.
NHS Dorset says the pilot will help plan a wider rollout in future and will share further updates with patients across the county.
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