Millions More Patients to Get Test Results and Updates via NHS App as Government Invests £50m

The NHS app is about to become the go-to way for millions more patients in England to receive important health information — from test results and screening invitations to appointment reminders. The government says this shift will save the NHS £200 million over the next three years, all while making healthcare communication faster and more convenient.

From Letters to Smartphones: A Digital Revolution in Healthcare

Currently, the NHS sends out at least 50 million letters to patients every year. But with a £50 million investment, the focus is shifting towards sending millions more messages directly to smartphones via the NHS app. This means fewer letters cluttering up mailboxes and quicker access to vital information at your fingertips.

This year alone, the Department of Health and Social Care expects around 270 million messages to be sent through the app — a jump of 70 million compared to last year.

Smarter Notifications to Cut Missed Appointments

One of the key benefits? Push notifications will remind patients about upcoming appointments. With approximately eight million elective care appointments missed in 2023/24, these reminders could help reduce no-shows and keep clinics running smoothly.

The app is also being enhanced to allow users to add appointments directly to their phone calendars and even request help from their local GP surgeries — making healthcare management easier than ever.

Making Healthcare More Accessible — But Not Leaving Anyone Behind

More than 11 million people in the UK log into the NHS app every month, and nearly 20 million are signed up to receive messages through it. NHS services via the app are now available in 87% of hospitals across England.

But the government is mindful that not everyone can or wants to use digital tools. For those who can’t access app messages — like many elderly patients — the NHS will still send text messages and, if needed, follow up with letters. This approach also aims to free up NHS phone lines, helping staff focus on patients who need more direct support.

A Step Toward a More Modern, Convenient NHS

Health Secretary Wes Streeting describes this investment as a way to bring the NHS into the digital age — making the patient experience as seamless as online banking or ordering food delivery.

“The move away from paper communication will also free up funds for frontline services,” Streeting adds.

Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patient’s Association, welcomed the upgrade, calling it a “significant step in modernising how patients receive information.”

Concerns About Digital Exclusion

However, not everyone is fully on board. The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned that relying too heavily on apps could risk leaving behind patients who don’t have access to or struggle with digital technology.

The government’s plan follows earlier announcements this year to expand the app’s features — including letting more patients book treatments and appointments directly through it.

What’s Next? Prescription Tracking and More

Last month, NHS England revealed that millions of patients would soon get “Amazon-style” tracking updates for their prescriptions via the app — so they can see if their medicines are ready to collect or have been sent out for delivery. This small but powerful feature aims to reduce waiting times and improve communication.

In short, the NHS app is evolving rapidly, aiming to give patients more control over their healthcare journeys while saving time and money for the system. But as the NHS embraces digital tools, it’s crucial to ensure no patient is left behind.

Source: BBC – Millions more to get test results via NHS app, government says