The Welsh Government has relaunched the NHS Wales App with a suite of new function, saying it will improve access to healthcare services in the country.
It has also set up a new Welsh Identity Verification Service to enable people who do not have a government issued photo ID to verify themselves at their GP practice to register for the app.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy announced initiatives, saying they mark a significant step forward in the digital transformation of Wales’ healthcare services.
Initially the app provides all user with the ability to order repeat prescriptions, view their health timeline and prescription history, access health advice and information, and send messages and feedback securely.
Murphy said updates are planned for the next year, including enabling people to track their treatment waiting times, manage hospital appointments from their devices and request test results. There will also be a range of tools to help people manage their health.
Digital front door
“Our ultimate ambition is for the NHS Wales App to become a digital front door for all NHS and social care services,” she said, adding that she will make a further statement before the summer recess of the Senedd.
Under the Welsh Identity Verification Service, patients will be able to obtain medium level verification with their NHS number, date of birth and postcode of their home address as registered with their GP practice.
This does not allow access to personal information, which require high level verification. This will be available under the new service through filling in a form and providing alternative documentation, or vouching from a health professional, to obtain a verification letter from their GP practice. This will give them access to their personal information through the app.
