Your appointments and information, made easier.

The Intelligent Patient Portal (IPP) is a secure NHS digital service that helps you view and manage information about your care. Within the portal, you can also use Nova, our virtual assistant, to get quick answers to common appointment‑related questions.

The IPP is currently being introduced in selected services as part of a pilot.

What is the Intelligent Patient Portal (IPP)?

The Intelligent Patient Portal (IPP) is a secure online portal from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. It allows you to:

  • View information about your appointments
  • Check where and when your appointment is taking place
  • Access helpful guidance from your service

You can use the IPP on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. There is no app to download.

Intelligent Patient Portal dashboard showing upcoming and past appointments, a virtual assistant message panel, and options for wellbeing support and urgent help.

Meet Nova – Your Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant chat panel answering questionsNova is a virtual assistant built into the Intelligent Patient Portal.

Nova helps by:

  • Answering common questions about appointments
  • Providing clear, guided information
  • Helping you find the right information quickly

You interact with Nova by selecting options or typing short questions. Nova is designed to support you, not replace your care team.

Some examples of what Nova can quickly help with are; directions to your appointment, parking information, what to expect, or who to contact if you need help.

How Do I Access the IPP?

You will only be able to access the IPP if your service is using it. If you are invited to use the IPP:

  • You will receive a secure link from the Trust
  • This may be sent by text message, email, or included on a letter
  • You will be asked to sign in using NHS Login

NHS Login is the same secure sign‑in used for the NHS App. It helps keep your information safe and confidential.

Watch: How the IPP and Nova Work

This short video explains how the Intelligent Patient Portal and Nova work, what you can use them for, and how they can support you with your appointments.

What Can Patients Do in the IPP?

Using the IPP, you can:

Appointments

  • View upcoming appointment dates and times
  • See where your appointment is taking place
  • View some of your past appointment details

Getting support

  • Ask appointment‑related questions using Nova
  • Access clear, service‑specific guidance

The information available may vary depending on the service you are using.

Benefits of using the IPP and Nova

  • Easier access to appointment information
  • Clear guidance without needing to phone the service
  • Improved accessibility and inclusion
  • Support available at a time that suits you

Services Currently Using the IPP

The Intelligent Patient Portal is currently being piloted in selected services, including the Perinatal Service.

Piloting the IPP allows us to:

  • Test the service safely
  • Gather feedback from patients and staff
  • Make improvements before wider use

Future Phases and Planned Development

Following feedback from use, the Trust may consider expanding the IPP to additional services. Any future rollout will be:

  • Informed by user feedback
  • Introduced in phases
  • Carefully reviewed to ensure safety, accessibility, and benefit
  • Nova will also continue to be developed to improve the support it can offer

 

Accessibility, Inclusion and Safety

The Intelligent Patient Portal has been designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind.

If you need information in an alternative format or require additional support, please contact your service directly.

View our Privacy Notice in relation to the Intelligent Patient Portal and Virtual Assistant.

 

Need Help or More Information?

If you have questions about your appointment or need support, please contact your service directly. They will be able to help you in the most appropriate way.