28 Jan 2026: 💬 Messaging - Auto-Activate Direct Channel

We’ve introduced a new option that allows Organisations to automatically activate a Patient’s Direct Channel when they are created 👥✨

Previously, Direct Channels needed to be manually activated by a Clinician. This update supports Clinics that prefer messaging to be ready from day one.

🔎 Reminder: There must always be at least one Clinician in a Direct Channel.

✨ What’s New

⚙️ New Portal Setting

A new setting has been added in:

Clinical Portal → Administration → Portal Settings

Organisations can now choose whether the Direct Channel should be automatically activated on Patient Creation.

🤖 Automatic Direct Channel Activation (If Enabled)

If the setting is turned ON:

• ✅ When a new Patient is created, their Direct Channel is automatically activated

• 👩‍⚕️ The Allocation Clinician is automatically added to the Direct Channel

This ensures the rule of having at least one Clinician in the channel is maintained.

💡 How It Helps

🚀 Messaging Ready from Day One

Patients and Clinicians can begin communicating immediately without requiring additional setup.

⚡ Reduce Manual Steps

Removes the need for Clinicians to remember to manually activate the Direct Channel after onboarding.

🧩 Supports Structured Care Models

For Organisations where messaging is a standard part of service delivery (e.g., EAP, structured programs, outpatient care), this ensures consistency across all new Patients.

This enhancement streamlines onboarding and ensures secure communication channels are available instantly when needed 💬✨