Using NHS.net Email to store notes using the Drafts folder

I realised that I needed to keep some working notes with patient identifiable information with me that I can access on any computer.

Given that NHS.net is the only way to store patient information securely, I thought of a simple solution that might work for you.

Use the ‘Drafts’ Folder

To create a draft

1. Create a new message but don’t put anyone in the To: Cc: field
2. Give your note a Subject
3. Create your note in the body
4. Click ‘Save’

That’s it.

When you want to access the notes again

1. Go to your ‘Drafts’ folder
2. Open the ’email’
3. Update your notes
4. Click ‘Save’

As NHS.net doesn’t currently provide a way of storing files, this is a quick ‘hack’ that is IG compliant.

What about text formatting?

If you do not access your NHS.net using IE or Outlook, you loose the ability to use formatting for your text. As an alternative, I suggest using ‘Markdown‘. If you ever choose to format the text, you can convert the markdown text into PDFs, HTML etc…

What about getting this on my phone?

You can access your ‘Drafts’ on your iOS device if you are linked to NHS Mail using Exchange. However, you won’t be able to edit mail in your drafts folder. However, what you can do is create an email, send it to yourself, and then move it into the ‘Drafts’ folder. (Don’t make the mistake of moving it into the ‘Drafts’ folder for phone but the ‘Drafts’ of your NHS.net account.

Hope this helps