A major expansion of the NHS App has prevented 1.5 million missed hospital appointments and reduced waiting times, with 87% of hospitals now offering services through the app, according to the Government
The roll out, part of the Government's Plan for Change to tackle hospital backlogs, allows app users to manage appointments, view prescriptions, access GP health records, and receive notifications, easing pressure on NHS services and saving an estimated £622 million.
Since July 2024, the app has saved 5.7 million staff hours, including 1.26 million clinical hours, by automating tasks like appointment management and repeat prescriptions. Hospitals using the app's features have seen a 3% increase in patients waiting less than 18 weeks for elective care, potentially equating to 211,000 additional treatments meeting the 18-week target if rolled out nationwide.
Digital correspondence via the app has also cut costs, saving £5.2 million in postage by reducing the need for 12 million paper letters. In-app notifications are projected to save £985,000 this year by replacing 15.7 million SMS messages.
Meeting target
The Government met its target to have 85% of hospitals offering appointment information via the app by March 2025, reaching 87% from 68% in July 2024. Planned upgrades will allow patients to choose providers, book tests at community diagnostic centres, and receive results directly through the app.
To ensure inclusivity, the NHS is providing support for accessing online health services at 1,400 libraries across England, targeting elderly and vulnerable patients.
Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS providers, welcomed the initiative, noting the importance of supporting those less comfortable with technology. Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, stressed the need for continued support to bridge the digital divide: "Digital access remains a barrier for many, so practical support needs to remain a key priority."
The app's success aligns with broader NHS digitisation efforts, including a £600 million investment with the Wellcome Trust to create a health data research service.
