We’re pleased to share that we will soon be launching a new Patient Portal called Alder Connect.
Alder Connect will provide a single, secure digital front door for families to manage and engage with aspects of their child’s care, gradually replacing traditional patient letters.
Designed specifically for children and young people, the portal will allow those with parental responsibility to access key information in one convenient place, rather than across multiple systems currently used.
Some families will receive a text message inviting them to register for Alder Connect so please keep an eye out for it and follow the instructions to get started.
Please ensure your contact details are accurate on your child’s medical record through your GP.
Frequently asked questions
What is Alder Connect?
Alder Connect is our Patient Portal. It is a secure online service that allows people with parental responsibility to access and manage parts of their child’s care in one place.
Is this the same as the NHS App?
No. The Patient Portal is designed specifically for children and young people. It offers features not currently available in the NHS App for paediatric patients, such as flexible proxy access and earlier access to secondary care information.
Who can use the Alder Connect?
People with parental responsibility for a child or young person receiving care at Alder Hey. For phase one, this will be a person with parental responsibility; in later phases, it will allow multiple persons with parental responsibility and include options for foster carers.
Will I have access to all of my children under one account, or do I need a separate account for each child?
Yes, one parent will have access to multiple children under the same parental responsibility, under the same account. However, initially, one parent will have access to those accounts under a single username, e.g., mum. In the future, you can have the option of mum and dad each having an account, with access to those children’s details.
Why do you need to check parental responsibility?
Parental responsibility checks help keep children and young people’s information safe and ensure only authorised people can access records.
Why can’t I see everything yet?
Features on Alder Connect are being introduced in phases. Some information and features will become available later as the portal develops.
Why haven’t I received an invitation to register?
Registration is currently by invitation only and is linked to upcoming appointments. Wider access will follow as the portal continues to roll out.
Can more than one carer have access?
Yes, but this will only be available in later stages of the Portal, estimated for summer 2026, and only where parental responsibility is confirmed. Access is carefully managed to protect children and young people’s information.
What information can I see right now?
Depending on your child’s care and the rollout stage, you may be able to view appointments, clinic letters, and key health information, such as allergies.
Will I be able to see test results?
Some test results will be available in later phases. Not all results will appear immediately, and your care team will explain results where needed.
Will past hospital letters be put on this new system?
The aim is for users registered in the current system to be able to view their previous clinical letters from March 2026. For new users, as they will have received these previous letters by paper, their clinical letters will be going forward.
Can I message my child’s clinical team?
Messaging will be introduced gradually and used appropriately. It does not replace appointments or urgent contact routes.
If printed versions of letters are required, who can we contact?
If you need a printed letter, e.g. for school, you can discuss it with your clinical team, but we would encourage you to use the Portal. However, people who cannot access the Portal, for example, if they don’t have access to the internet, will continue to receive paper correspondence.
Can I upload photos or videos?
Photo and video sharing will be added in a later phase and should only be used when requested by a clinician.
Does the portal replace appointments or phone calls?
No. Alder Connect supports care but does not replace appointments, phone calls or urgent services.
What should I do if the information looks wrong?
If you think information is incorrect, phone your care team so it can be reviewed and updated.
Is my child’s information safe?
Yes. It uses secure NHS systems, and access is tightly controlled.
What if my child no longer receives care from Alder Hey?
Access will be linked to active care. Information shown may change over time depending on your child’s care journey.
What if I need help using the Alder Connect?
Guidance will be available once you receive your invitation, and further support will be provided as the portal develops.
How do I register?
At the moment, registration will be via a text message invite. Please keep a lookout for it.