NHS and Royal Mail Launch Dedicated Barcode System to Prioritize Medical Letters

The new system aims to reduce missed appointments and improve patient safety by ensuring timely delivery of NHS letters, even during service disruptions.

A new NHS-specific barcode system has been introduced to identify and prioritize medical letters for faster processing and delivery.
The initiative addresses concerns about delayed NHS letters, which contribute to two million missed appointments annually, according to Healthwatch England analysis.
The barcode system was developed collaboratively by the NHS and Royal Mail, with input from patient groups, to mitigate risks during postal service disruptions such as strikes.
This measure is part of broader Royal Mail reforms, which include reduced second-class delivery days, while ensuring NHS mail remains a priority.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting and NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis emphasized the importance of timely communication to safeguard patient care and provide genuine choice in receiving appointment information.