We are now live with the NHS App

Posted on September 7th, 2023

The NHS App allows you to access a range of NHS services. You can download the NHS App on your phone or tablet. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

You must be aged 13 or over to use the NHS App. You also need to be registered with a GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man. Find out more about who can use the NHS App via Who can use the NHS App – Help and support – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

What you can do with the NHS App

You need to prove who you are to get full access to the NHS App. With full access you can:

• order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them.
• book and manage appointments.
• view your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
• book and manage coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations.
• get your NHS COVID Pass (there are also other ways to get your COVID Pass)
• register your organ donation decision.
• choose how the NHS uses your data.
• view your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
• use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you.

Before proving who, you are, you can use the NHS App to:

• search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments.
• find NHS services near you.

Other services

Depending on your GP surgery or hospital, you may be able to use the NHS App to:

• message your GP surgery or a health professional online
• contact your GP surgery using an online form and get a reply.
• access health services on behalf of someone you care for
• view and manage your hospital and other healthcare appointments.
• view useful links your doctor or health professional has shared with you.
• view and manage care plans.

Keeping your data secure

To access the NHS App, you will need to set up an NHS login and prove who you are. Your NHS App then securely connects to information from your GP surgery.
If your device supports fingerprint detection or facial recognition, you can use it to log in to your NHS App each time, instead of using a password and security code.

What are we communicating to our patients?

 We want patients to use digital services as much as possible, where they can do so, to free up traffic on the phones. Please maximise opportunities to promote the NHS App.

Quick Wins:

• When booking appointments for tests or advising patients about tests they need to arrange please inform them they will be able to view their results on the NHS App instead of waiting in the phone queue.
• When booking an appointment please advise patients that if they need to cancel or change their appointment, they can do so, using the NHS App.
• When patients are booking appointments, please advise them they can submit a digital consultation via Patchs, using the NHS App. (they are integrated)
• When patients are submitting admin requests such as referral requests, requests for sicknotes, requests for medical reports etc. they can do so via Patchs, using the NHS App.
• If patients are referred via ERS, they can manage their first appointment with the specialist via the NHS App.