Health NZ's improving the way it communicates with South Island patients, by introducing an email-based system

People will start receiving their future appointment letters by email, after validating their address.

Integration and Delivery Regional Manager Kristy Martin says 1.2 million appointment letters are posted annually in the South Island.

She says the change will reduce the costs associated with post services.

Patients across the South Island will receive a validation email on Monday - bar the West Coast, where it will be rolled out later this year.