Copying letters to patients: Guidelines for health professionals involved in the care of patients with cancer

Last reviewed: August 2005

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This paper identifies the key issues relevant to copying letters to patients with cancer. Guidelines are provided to enable clinicians and other health professionals working in cancer care to implement this change in practice safely and effectively.

‘Thank you for the copy of the letter. It made it seem as if I was more involved with my care. It was easier to talk to the GP about my care, without the problem of trying to remember all that was said at the hospital appointment..’
(Patient, pilot project on copying clinicians’ letters to patients)

‘It goes to the heart of putting the relationship between patients and doctors on a more equal footing.’
(Harry Cayton, Department of Health’s Director of Patient Experience and Public Involvement)

From Copying letters to patients, Good practice guidelines (DH,  April 2003).