A Guide to the NHS App: We’re Moving to NHS App Messaging – Let’s Stay Connected!

To help protect your confidentiality and improve the security of our communication with you, our GP practice is transitioning away from traditional SMS text messaging. From 1st April 2026, most of our messages will be delivered securely through the NHS App.

This change ensures your health information is shared through a trusted, encrypted NHS platform rather than standard text messaging.

Why We’re Making This Change

✔ Enhanced Security & Privacy

Messages sent via the NHS App stay within a secure NHS system. Notifications simply alert you that a message is waiting, the content can only be viewed after logging in safely.

✔ Reduced Risk of Confidentiality Breaches

SMS messages can be seen by anyone who accesses your phone. NHS App messages require login, adding another layer of protection.

✔ More Reliable Messaging

If your NHS App message is not delivered or read, the system can automatically send a fallback SMS to ensure you don’t miss important information.

✔ Better Appointment Management

National NHS campaigns highlight how enabling notifications helps prevent missed appointments, something affecting nearly 1 in 4 people nationally.

Don’t Miss Out: Turn On Push Notifications

To make sure you receive alerts when we send you a new message, please enable notifications on the NHS App and on your device.

According to NHS guidance, notifications are used to tell you when you have a new message in the app, and settings changes can take up to 24 hours to apply. If you use the NHS App on more than one device, you’ll need to enable notifications on each one.

How to Enable Push Notifications (NHS Guidance)

Open the NHS App.
Select the Account icon (top corner).
Choose Notifications.
Follow the link to your device settings.
Turn on Allow notifications.

Once enabled, you will receive push notifications when new secure messages arrive.

Important Notes About Notifications

You won’t receive notifications when using the NHS website, only the NHS App.

If more than one person uses the NHS App on the same device, notifications can only be enabled for one NHS account.
If notifications are disabled, you may receive a fallback SMS to tell you a new NHS App message is waiting.