How GP practices are helping patients with the NHS App

GP practices across England are making it easier for patients to manage their health by promoting the use of the NHS App. With over 14 million people logging in every month, the NHS App is helping people to manage their health more easily – whether that’s viewing records, booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, accessing test results or receiving secure messages from their GP.

In 2025, the NHS App has sent over 181 million messages, saving time and significant cost on SMS and paper letters. These figures highlight how the NHS App is not just supporting care but actively moving it closer to home.

Brondesbury Practice 

Brondesbury practice displays videos in waiting rooms to highlight the benefits of using the NHS App. Receptionists are trained as 'Digital Champions' and wear badges so patients know they can ask for help with the App at any time. The practice also uses leaflets and videos, in their waiting rooms, to support patients.

Spring Hill Medical Practice

Spring Hill Medical Practice has also embraced the NHS App, sharing information on social media, the practice website, and in waiting areas. Patients receive emails with easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the app, and workshops are held to support vulnerable patients. These sessions are led by a Digital Champion, ensuring everyone can access the help they need. The practice has seen a steady increase in patients using the app for online consultations and messaging.

Wood Lane Medical Centre

Wood Lane Medical Centre focuses on providing hands-on support, especially for older patients who may be less familiar with technology. Staff help patients to download and use the app and the centre also runs email campaigns to encourage more patients to register and benefit from the app’s services. The results have been overwhelmingly positive with more patients using the NHS App to manage their health, book appointments, and receive important messages.

Patients

• Check your GP practice or its website for NHS App information.
• Ask a receptionist or Digital Champion for help setting up the NHS App.
• Join a workshop or request one-to-one support if needed.
• Turn on NHS App notifications to receive important messages.

NHS staff

• Inform all staff (including clinicians) of the NHS App so they can mention it to patients during consultations.
• Encourage colleagues to download and use the NHS App.
• Use the NHS App toolkit and display posters, videos and promotional materials in waiting areas and on your website.
• Add an automated phone message about the NHS App for patients on hold.
• Use social media (such as Facebook and WhatsApp Business) to promote NHS App messaging.
• Include NHS App promotion in welcome emails, new patient registration, and reception desk interactions.