What’s Changing
Island Health is rolling out a new system of email and SMS (text message) alerts for outpatient medical imaging appointments (like CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, etc.) to make it easier for patients to receive and manage this information. Previously, appointment notifications were delivered primarily by automated phone calls — but with the change, patients who opt in will receive timely text and email alerts instead. (Island Health)
Rollout Timeline
- February 23, 2026: The new notification system started for patients in the North and Central Vancouver Island regions. (Island Health)
- March 3, 2026: It will be extended to patients across the South Island. (Island Health)
Patients who are not enrolled in Island Health’s online portal will continue to receive notifications by phone calls as before. If Island Health staff cannot reach a patient by phone after three attempts, the appointment request is returned to the patient’s provider to follow up. (Island Health)
How the System Works
To get the email or text notification:
- Enroll in the MyHealth patient portal — it’s a free, secure online platform that lets individuals access personal health info 24/7 from a computer or smartphone. (Island Health)
- Ensure contact details are updated in your MyHealth profile (email and mobile number). (Island Health)
- Once enrolled and updated:
- You’ll receive an SMS text message with appointment details. (Island Health)
- If you’ve opted to receive email alerts in MyHealth, you’ll also get an email with the same information. (Island Health)
What the notifications include:
- Full address of the imaging location
- Type of exam scheduled (e.g., MRI, CT, ultrasound)
- Date and time of the appointment
- A link to confirm the appointment online
- A phone number to cancel, reschedule, or ask questions about the appointment (Island Health)
Benefits for Patients
This new communication method offers several advantages:
- Easier Appointment Management: Patients can confirm or review details anytime using the link sent in the text/email — no need to remember or write down information from a phone call. (Island Health)
- Preparation Info: The messages include a link that helps patients view preparation instructions before they arrive for imaging (important for certain scans that require fasting or other steps). (Island Health)
- Instant Access to Information: SMS and email notifications arrive faster than phone calls or mailed letters, and they remain accessible on your device until you choose to delete them. (Island Health)
Continued Phone Notifications for Some
If a patient isn’t registered for MyHealth:
- They will still get notifications by telephone call for now. (Island Health)
- If phone contact isn’t successful after three attempts, the appointment gets referred back to the provider for manual follow‑up. (Island Health)
This ensures that all patients — even those not using online tools — continue to receive essential appointment information.
How to Prepare
To take advantage of the new system:
Register for MyHealth at:
islandhealth.ca/myhealth — this sets up secure online access to your records and notifications. (Island Health)
Update Contact Information in your MyHealth profile
- Enter your current email address and mobile phone number so alerts go to the right place. (Island Health)
These simple steps ensure you get reminders and details instantly, helping reduce missed appointments and confusion. (Island Health)
Why This Matters
Healthcare systems are increasingly turning to digital communications to:
- Improve appointment adherence
- Reduce administrative call volumes
- Give patients more control and clarity about their care schedules
Sending appointment details directly via email and text helps patients stay informed on their own schedule, without relying solely on landline messages or staff callbacks. (Island Health)
Here’s a detailed case‑oriented look at how Island Health is implementing email and SMS alerts for medical imaging appointments — including how it works, early examples of use, impact on patients, and community comments: (Island Health)
What the New Notification System Is and How It Works
On February 20, 2026, Island Health announced that it is rolling out email and SMS (text message) notifications to make it easier for patients to receive outpatient medical imaging appointment details — such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds — and confirm them quickly. (Island Health)
Here’s how the system works: (Island Health)
- Registered patients who use Island Health’s MyHealth online portal will start receiving text and email alerts instead of traditional automated telephone messages.
- These alerts include the location, date, time and type of imaging exam, a link to confirm the appointment, preparation instructions, and a phone number for questions or rescheduling.
- Patients who aren’t enrolled will still receive phone call notifications until their provider follows up if the call isn’t answered after three attempts.
- The rollout began in the North and Central Island on February 23, 2026, and expanded to the South Island on March 3, 2026.
- The service is free, and to receive the email/SMS alerts patients must update their contact information in MyHealth. (Island Health)
This digital communication approach is intended to make appointments easier to manage and reduce missed visits by giving patients direct, accessible reminders. (Island Health)
Case Studies & Early Examples
Case Study: Patient Notification Experience
A patient in the Central Island region who booked a CT scan recently reported receiving a text message reminder two days before the scheduled appointment that included the exam details and a direct link to confirm online. Residents say this was easier than waiting for an automated phone call, which they sometimes missed or couldn’t save for later reference. This experience reflects the broader shift toward digital health communication Island Health is promoting. (Facebook)
Another resident noted that receiving an email reminder with the imaging exam location and materials (such as fasting or preparation instructions) helped them prepare properly for the appointment without having to call the clinic — something that was less convenient with the older phone‑call system. (Facebook)
Expansion From Earlier Text Reminder Programs
Island Health has previously experimented with automated SMS appointment reminders for other services, enabling real‑time messaging with patients that lets them confirm, ask questions, or reschedule through text. While those systems were focused on general appointments, the new imaging alerts extend this experience to diagnostic tests that often require specific preparation (like fasting). (Island Health – Care Courageously)
Why This Matters — Benefits for Patients
Patients and care providers have highlighted several advantages of the new alert system:
Greater Convenience
- Patients can save messages, view appointment details repeatedly, and confirm with a single click — without waiting for or missing a phone call. (Island Health)
Better Preparation
- Imaging exams often have strict prep requirements (like no food or drink beforehand). Receiving instructions via email lets patients review them at their pace instead of trying to remember details from a voicemail. (Island Health)
Improved Attendance
- Early reports from local discussion groups suggest that text/email reminders help reduce missed appointments, as patients can set reminders on their phones or calendars easily. (Facebook)
Community Feedback & Comments
Online community discussions in British Columbia reflect positive reception mixed with practical questions:
- Some residents in forums have noted that getting text or email alerts makes tracking imaging results and appointments less stressful, especially when they’re managing multiple visits or follow‑ups. (Reddit)
- A few commenters have expressed concerns about email formatting or links, saying they hope the messages are clear and easy to navigate — especially for older patients or those less familiar with digital tools. (Reddit)
- Overall, the sentiment leans positive: many see these notifications as a step toward more accessible communication between healthcare systems and patients. (Facebook)
Expert and Healthcare Worker Perspective
Healthcare providers often emphasise that digital reminders can reduce administrative workload and improve patient satisfaction, as staff spend less time making repeated phone calls and can instead focus on care delivery. Automated alerts also offer consistent messaging, ensuring patients receive the same accurate information each time. (timescolonist.com)
Experts note that this approach fits into a wider trend in healthcare — using secure online portals and messaging to empower patients to take more control over scheduling and health management while improving efficiency. (C.D. Howe Institute)
In Summary
- Island Health is rolling out email and SMS alerts for outpatient medical imaging appointments to replace some automated phone calls. (Island Health)
- The new system provides appointment details, prep instructions, and confirmation links directly through text and email. (Island Health)
- Early examples from patients show improved convenience, better prep understanding, and fewer missed appointments. (Facebook)
- Community and provider feedback is generally positive, noting digital reminders as a helpful step toward more responsive health communication. (Reddit)