Have you downloaded the NHS App yet?
The NHS App is helping to give people more control over their health by allowing them to view their health records and get health advice when they need it.
Patients can access NHS services through the free NHS App 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is quick and secure and allows patients to book appointments and order repeat prescriptions without having to call their practice and wait in a queue.
The App also has access to a number of other services including; direct access to the NHS 111 symptom checker and the ability to book and manage appointments. It is widely described as ‘a digital front door to GP practice services’.
Dr Karl Bennett, local GP and Digital Transformation Lead said:
“The NHS App enables people to have a better understanding of their conditions and access information conveniently.
It is vital for people to understand more about their health and having access to their own record supports them with this. As an example, it is handy to have access to the list of the immunisations you have been given.
Ordering repeat prescriptions has never been easier. You can also choose where your prescriptions are sent and you can nominate a pharmacy close to where you happen to be or change your usual pharmacy when you move home.
I particularly like how convenient it is for patients to have access to their test results together with the comments made by the doctor. This can be reassuring or can be used to guide them to the next step of their care.
Having the ability to book and manage certain appointments helps free up phone lines for others and means that people aren’t reliant on surgery opening times to make administrative changes.”
Over 400,000, 58% Frimley patients have chosen to download the app. However, we believe many people have the app lying dormant on their phone, do not have notifications enabled and don’t realise the improvements and functionality that has been added to the current version.
Greta, who has an ongoing health condition, has access to her GP record and it has helped her manage her . She said: “By looking at my blood tests and results, I can begin to understand what ‘normal’ means for me. Because normal is different for all of us. I look at my blood tests before I go to the doctor, so I can see my results and think about them before we speak. This means I can get questions ready in advance and feel informed at my consultation. To me, that is very, very important.”
If you would like to find out more about the NHS App and how it can help you manage your health visit: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp.
It’s easy to use, and, if you hit a snag, you can go to ‘Help’ in the top right-hand corner of the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp.
A small reminder that when ordering medications always check your cupboards first to ensure you really need them. Make sure you regularly check the expiry dates of your medications and for anything out of date or unused, dispose of it safely by returning it to your community pharmacy. If you have medication questions your practice Clinical Pharmacist will be able to help.
To learn more about the improvements to GP services, including appointments available 8am – 8pm and at weekends and the wider team available to support you visit https://fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk/gethelp