What’s Being Rolled Out
Island Health is launching a new system that sends appointment notifications for outpatient medical imaging by text message (SMS) and email instead of just automated phone calls. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
This change is meant to:
- Make it easier for patients to know about upcoming imaging appointments such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs.
- Help patients confirm or prepare for appointments more quickly than waiting for a phone call. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
Roll‑Out Timeline
North and Central Island: The system is already available now.
- South Island: It starts on March 3, 2026. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
Who Gets These Notifications?
- Patients who are signed up for the MyHealth online portal will receive appointment updates through mobile text and, if they’ve opted in, email.
- Those not enrolled in MyHealth will still receive appointment notifications by telephone calls only. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
MyHealth is a free, secure online portal that lets patients access their personal health info from Island Health facilities at any time. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
What the Notifications Include
When a medical imaging appointment is booked, enrolled patients will get:
Text message and/or email with the appointment details
- Hospital location and full address
- Type of imaging exam (e.g., CT scan, MRI, ultrasound)
- Date and time of the appointment (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
A link to confirm the appointment
Preparation instructions (if needed)
A phone number to call if they need to cancel, reschedule, or ask questions (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
What Stays the Same
Some appointment notices won’t change:
- BC Cancer breast screening appointments will still be sent by mail (paper letter) — not by text or email. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
Privacy & Safety Reminder
Island Health has reminded patients that it will never ask for passwords, banking details, or payment information by text or email — so any such request should be treated as suspicious. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
Why This Matters
This update reflects a broader trend in healthcare toward digital notifications instead of phone calls or mail — similar to what many health systems are doing to reduce missed appointments and improve convenience. Personalized digital communication (email/SMS) helps patients stay informed and reduces the chance of no‑shows. (CKCC The Raven 100.7)
Quick Summary
Island Health will now send appointment notifications for outpatient imaging by text and email for MyHealth portal users.
The system is live in the North and Central Island regions and starts March 3, 2026 in the South Island.
Notifications include appointment time, location, prep instructions, and a confirmation link.
Patients not signed up for MyHealth will continue to get phone calls.
Cancer screening notices will still be mailed.
Here’s a **case‑focused look at the rollout of email and text notifications for **Island Health medical imaging appointments — including practical examples of how the changes affect patients and public reactions or context beyond the basic announcement. (Island Health)
Case Study: What the New Notification System Means in Practice
Patient Experience — Before and After
Before rollout:
- Patients historically received automated phone calls only to tell them about upcoming outpatient imaging appointments (e.g., CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs). (Island Health)
- Missed calls could lead to missed appointments or uncertainty about details.
After rollout:
- Patients enrolled in Island Health’s MyHealth portal now get appointment details via SMS (text) and email — including date, time, location, exam type, preparation instructions, and a confirmation link. (Island Health)
- This reduces the risk of missed messages, because texts and emails are easier to save and revisit than missed calls. For many patients, this can mean fewer no‑shows and clearer instruction before important imaging tests.
Example scenario:
A patient awaiting an MRI might previously have missed a voicemail and only noticed after arriving late. Now, with a text and email reminder that they can click to confirm or reschedule, they’re much less likely to miss it — and can prepare properly for instructions like fasting before the scan. (Island Health)
Patients not registered for MyHealth still receive telephone notifications, so there’s no loss of contact — just more convenience for those opting into digital alerts. (Island Health)
Case Results Seen Elsewhere (Broader Healthcare Context)
Although specific feedback about Island Health’s rollout is just emerging, similar digital notification systems in healthcare have shown practical benefits:
- Reduced appointment no‑shows: SMS reminders in other healthcare settings have been shown to significantly lessen missed visits and keep care flowing efficiently. Analyses suggest SMS reminders can reduce no‑show rates by 30–50% versus phone calls alone — because texts get read far more often and much more quickly. (Madavi Agency)
- Improved patient responsiveness: Text and email reminders often include clickable links that allow quick appointment confirmation, which helps scheduling teams better predict attendance and manage resources.
This trend aligns with Island Health’s goals to make imaging appointments “easier to manage and information easier to access” than traditional call‑based systems. (Island Health)
Public & Patient Reactions (Community Commentary)
There aren’t wide‑scale public surveys yet on the change, but some relevant community discussions provide context about how patients view digital communications from health authorities:
Support for digital updates
- Online feedback about health portals and electronic notifications generally shows that patients appreciate digital reminders — especially because SMS is highly reliable at catching attention quickly, much more so than phone calls or mail. (Madavi Agency)
Concerns and challenges
- In some online forums, people have shared instances of confusing or inaccurate automated notifications in unrelated health systems — such as being alerted to an appointment they didn’t have. These comments don’t refer to Island Health directly, but they highlight real concerns patients can have when systems become more automated. (Reddit)
- Hospitals and health authorities must ensure data accuracy and clear messaging so that electronic reminders help without causing confusion.
This underscores why Island Health’s messaging includes a reminder that they will never ask for passwords, banking details, or payment information via text or email — an important reassurance as digital communication expands. (Island Health)
Summary: What the Case Evidence Suggests
Digital notifications improve appointment visibility and convenience: Texts and emails are easier for many patients to access and keep than phone calls. (Island Health)
Similar systems have cut no‑show rates in other healthcare environments: Helping both patients and clinics manage schedules more predictably. (Madavi Agency)
Some patients remain cautious: Feedback in broader health forums suggests the need for clear and accurate information as systems shift toward digital communication. (Reddit)
Island Health is blending digital with traditional outreach: Patients can still get calls if they aren’t signed up for the MyHealth portal. (Island Health)