Our services
Digital letters
About the service
We now offer a secure online patient platform called Patients Know Best (PKB) to improve the way we communicate with you and, in time, help you to manage your health securely online. At first, this platform offers you access to important information such as appointment and outcome letters. You’ll be able to access them via your phone, tablet or laptop. 
We’re working hard to add our services to PKB and it won’t be long before they’re all available. If your service is available now, you’ll receive an email invitation or SMS text message from our Trust asking you to register for a PKB account. The email or text message will include a registration link.
You may already be using the NHS App to manage some of your health information and GP appointments, for example. The good news is that PKB and the NHS App work together and can be linked. Find out more about PKB and the NHS App (link to Tab 2)
In time, you’ll be able to use PKB to do more than just access your letters – it will become a way for you to manage your health securely online and do thinks like book/change appointments and access your health records. We’ll keep you posted as more services become available.
You don’t have to wait to be invited – you can sign up now so that you’re ready when your service becomes available.
You can also choose to give access to your PKB account to other people such as family members, carers or health professionals – but this is your choice. Find out how to share here.
Use the tabs below to explore this section further.
If you wish to receive digital letters
Registering with Patients Know Best
You must register with Patients Know Best to use the platform and to view your letters from us and, in time, access other services. There are a few ways to register with PKB. You might have an invitation to register by text, letter or email. You can also register using your NHS login details, if you have them. The PKB web site has all the information you need to register, including step by step guides.
Find out how to register with Patients Know Best here.
Once you have registered you will be able to log in using your smartphone, tablet or computer to view your appointment or outcome letters online.
If you’re already using the NHS App, you can link this with PKB and receive notifications through the NHS App – find out how to do this here or follow the instructions below if you’d like to register with the NHS App (link to Tab 2).
Registering with the NHS App
If you have not yet downloaded the NHS App, simply search for ‘NHS App’ in the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions, or click below:
If you don’t have a smart device you can also sign up and access the service via a web browser.
Once you have the NHS App follow these instructions to link it to Patients Know Best (link to TAB 2).
Patients Know Best and the NHS App
PKB and the NHS App are separate services but you can link them together, if you want to. The information below tells you more about each service and how to link them.
Patients Know Best (PKB): This is a secure platform for patients, designed to give you more control and visibility over your health information. At first, PKB allows you to open and read letters from our Trust. In time, you will be able to use PKB to view your health records, book appointments, and communicate with your clinicians. You can access PKB directly online or through the NHS App by linking your accounts.
NHS App: This is a national app provided by the NHS that allows you to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Through the NHS app, you can book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and view your GP medical records.
When you have registered with PKB you have a choice about how to receive notifications when, for example, you have a new letter available to view. You can receive notifications either directly from PKB or by linking your PKB and NHS App accounts together so that the NHS app notifies you when letters are available in PKB.
Linking the NHS App to Patients Know Best
If you’d prefer to receive your notifications about PKB and access letters from our Trust through the NHS App, then you need to follow some further steps:
- Log into the NHS App
- Select Messages from the main menu
- Tap Your NHS Healthcare services
- Scroll down and choose Your hospital & specialist doctors
- Select Continue to load your Patients Know Best inbox
- You’re all set – next time you log into the NHS App you will be able to see both your GP and BDCT appointment information.
Tip: Make sure mobile notifications are turned on for the NHS App (Profile > App settings > Notifications) so you are notified instantly when our team sends you a message.
Get full details on accessing Patients know Best using the NHS App.
Please note – you don’t have to use the NHS App to receive notifications – you will get them directly from PKB if you don’t link it with the NHS App.
Registering with the NHS App
If you have not yet downloaded the NHS App, simply search for ‘NHS App’ in the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions – or click the buttons below.
If you don’t have a smart device you can also sign up and access the service via a web browser.
Once you have the NHS App follow the instructions below to link it to Patients Know Best.
Linking the NHS App to Patients Know Best
To receive notifications that you have digital letters from us and get access to those letters via the NHS App you need to follow some further steps:
- open ‘Messages’ in the NHS App and select ‘consultations, events and messages’.
- a message will open asking if you agree to share your NHS login information with Patients Know Best. Click ‘I agree’.
- register with your email address, a strong password and a security question.
- accept the privacy agreement and click the ‘Register’ button.
- you’re all set – next time you log into the NHS App you will be able to see both your GP and BDCT appointment information.
Get full details on accessing Patients know Best using the NHS App.
Why should I register?
Whether you choose to register with both the NHS App and Patients Know bBest, or just Patients Know Best you will benefit from:
- access to a secure online space to view any letters relating to your care
- access to your information on any internet-enabled device, anywhere, anytime
- in time, access to other services such as the ability to cancel or request to reschedule your appointment without having to call us – giving you more choice and control over your care
- the option (if you wish) to share this information with family, carers and other health professionals
- the knowledge that you are helping Bradford District Care Trust to reduce the amount of paper we use, so we can reduce our impact on the environment, as well as helping to lower our postage costs by reducing the number of letters sent, freeing up NHS budget for other uses.
FAQs
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What is Patients Know Best (PKB)?
Patients Know Best (PKB) is a secure online patient platform that allows you to access information relating to your healthcare. At first, when your service becomes available, you’ll be able to view letters from our Trust relating to your care. In time, we will add more information and we’ll let you know when that becomes available. PKB can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
Why is the Trust using Patients Know Best?
We are using Patients Know Best to make it easier for patients to access information about your care digitally. PKB helps improve communication, gives patients greater access to their information, and reduces the need for paper and postage costs, leading to financial savings for the Trust.
What can I see in my PKB account?
Initially, when the service providing your care is available on PKB, you’ll be able to view letters relating to your care. You may be able to view:
- Appointment letters
- Outcome letters
- Clinic letters
- Patient information and leaflets
Additional information and services may become available over time.
Will using PKB affect my care?
No. Using Patients Know Best does not change the care or treatment you receive. It is simply a secure way of accessing information and communicating digitally with your healthcare service.
Does Patients Know Best cost anything?
No. Patients Know Best is free for patients to use. There is no charge to register for an account or to access your information.
What happens if I do not want to use PKB?
Using PKB is optional and you will still receive paper letters if you don’t register.
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How do I register for Patients Know Best?
If your service is using Patients Know Best, you may receive an invitation by email or text message containing a link to register. If you already have a PKB account, you can continue to use your existing account. Find out more by exploring the content in this area of the website.
Can I access PKB through the NHS App?
Yes. Patients Know Best can be accessed through the NHS App where this functionality is available. Linking your accounts allows you to receive notifications and access available information through the NHS App. Find out more by exploring the content in this area of the website.
What devices can I use to access PKB?
You can access PKB using any device with an internet connection, including:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Desktop computers
I’ve registered but my record is empty. Why?
Some patients may not have any information in their records when they first register, however this will change over time. You can still add your own information, such as tracking your symptoms or recording any medication you take.
What if I change my email address or mobile phone number?
It is important to keep your contact details up to date so that you continue to receive notifications about your care. If your details change, please inform the service caring for you.
Where can I get help using Patients Know Best?
The PKB website has a wide range of information and guides to help you use the platform so please check there first.
If you can’t find what you need then please contact the service providing your care.
For technical issues only, please email the technical team at Patients Know Best help@patientsknowbest.com, or complete this form.
Do not share any personal or information about your health with the team at PKB.
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Is Patients Know Best secure?
Yes. Patients Know Best is a secure online platform used by NHS organisations. Your information is protected and can only be accessed by authorised healthcare professionals involved in your care, unless you choose to share access with someone else.
Who can see my information?
You remain in control of your information. Healthcare professionals involved in your care may have access to relevant information. You may also choose to share access with family members, carers or other people you trust where appropriate. Find out how to share here.
Can I give a family member or carer access to my PKB account?
Yes. Patients Know Best provides options for patients to share access with approved family members, carers or representatives. This can be particularly helpful if someone supports you with your healthcare needs. Find out how to share here.
Can parents or guardians access a child’s record?
Access arrangements for children’s records depend on factors such as age, capacity and local policies. If you need access to a child’s healthcare information, please contact the service caring for them.
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What are digital letters?
Digital letters are letters about your care that are delivered electronically through Patients Know Best instead of through the post. Examples include appointment letters, outcome letters and other correspondence relating to your care.
What are the benefits of receiving digital letters?
Digital letters can:
- Reach you more quickly than postal letters
- Be accessed anytime from your PKB account
- Reduce the risk of letters being lost in the post
- Help reduce paper use and postage costs
- Be better for the environment
How will I know when I have a new letter or update?
You will usually receive a notification by email, text message, or through the NHS App (if connected) when new information is available for you to view in PKB.
What types of letters will be available digitally?
Depending on the service you use, digital letters may include:
- Appointment letters
- Outcome letters
- Follow-up correspondence
- Other communications relating to your care
The information available digitally may increase over time as more features are added to the portal.
I’m already registered with Patients Know Best. Do I need to register again?
No. If you already have a Patients Know Best account, you can continue using your existing account to access available information and digital letters.
Can I still receive letters by post?
If you read your digital letter in the patient platform, before your appointment date, a paper letter may not be sent to your address. Your digital letter will be available to you at any time by signing into your Patients Know Best (PKB) account. Digital letters which are not read in the platform will be sent by post.