Question 1

What is Patient Update?

Accepted Answer

Patient Update is a simple way for someone in hospital (or the person with them) to share calm, real-time updates with family and friends — so nobody is left waiting in silence. It is not a medical service and is not connected to any hospital system.

Question 2

Do I need an account?

Accepted Answer

You only need an account if you want to post updates. Family and friends viewing a shared link never need to sign in to see updates. An account is only required if a viewer chooses to leave a comment.

Question 3

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Patient Update is free to use.

Question 4

Which devices does it work on?

Accepted Answer

Any modern phone, tablet, or computer with a web browser. There is nothing to install.

Question 5

How do I share updates with family?

Accepted Answer

After you start a journey, you get a private share link and a short invite code. Send either to the people you want to keep informed — by text, WhatsApp, email, or however you normally message them.

Question 6

Can anyone with the link see my updates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — anyone with the link can view the journey. The link contains a long random token that is not guessable, but treat it like a password: only share it with people you trust.

Question 7

Can I stop sharing later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can end a journey from your account, which stops new updates appearing on the shared link. If you need the link fully revoked or the journey deleted, email info@patientupdate.app.

Question 8

Can more than one person post updates?

Accepted Answer

Right now each journey is posted from a single account. A partner or family member can log into that account to help post.

Question 9

Do I need to sign in to see updates?

Accepted Answer

No. Open the link and you can read updates straight away.

Question 10

How do I leave a message of support?

Accepted Answer

Tap the comment button under an update. You will be asked to sign in with an email or Google account — this is only to prevent spam and keep the space kind. Your name (as you set it) appears next to your comment.

Question 11

Will I be notified when there is a new update?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically — check the link when you want to see the latest. We may add optional notifications in future.

Question 12

Can I share the link with other family members?

Accepted Answer

Please check with the person who sent it to you first. It is their journey to share.

Question 13

Who can see my updates?

Accepted Answer

Only people who have the share link. Updates are not indexed by search engines and are not visible on your public profile — there isn't one.

Question 14

Is my data secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Data is stored in the UK/EU with encrypted connections, access controls, and row-level security so accounts are isolated. See our Privacy Policy for full detail.

Question 15

How do I delete my account or data?

Accepted Answer

You can request access, correction, or deletion at any time via the form on our Privacy page or by emailing info@patientupdate.app. We respond within 30 days as required by UK GDPR.

Question 16

Is Patient Update a medical service?

Accepted Answer

No. Updates are written by the patient or the person with them and are not connected to any hospital system. In an emergency, always call 999 (or your local emergency number).

Question 17

I can't sign in — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Try resetting your password from the sign-in screen. If that doesn't help, contact us via the Contact page or email info@patientupdate.app.

Question 18

The invite code isn't working.

Accepted Answer

Double-check for typos and that you have the full code. Codes are case-insensitive. If it still doesn't work, ask the person who shared it to resend the full link.

Question 19

How do I give feedback or report a problem?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to hear from you — use the Contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

For family & friends viewing a link

Privacy & safety

Trouble & support

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Sharing your journey

For family & friends viewing a link

Privacy & safety

Trouble & support