Statistics from NHS Digital have revealed that more than 16mlllion repeat prescriptions have been ordered via the NHS App in the last year.
Since the pandemic, use of the NHS App has seen a rapid increase, as patients moved to digital solutions for handling some of their health needs.
According to NHS Digital figures, the last year (June 2021 – May 2022) saw:
- Over 16m repeat prescriptions ordered.
- 1.3million GP appointments booked.
- GP records viewed more than 90m times.
- 377,000 organ donation decisions registered.
In addition, following the addition of the NHS Covid Pass in May 2021, the app also had more than 22million sign-ups.
Simon Bolton, interim chief executive at NHS Digital, said: “The NHS App is a great example of how technology is being used to help patients take control of their healthcare in a convenient, secure and timely way.
“Millions of adults are now using the app every month to order repeat prescriptions, book GP appointments and view their GP records. It’s great to see use of the app continuing to increase, helping millions of people access healthcare services across England directly from their phone.”
The recent plan for digital health and social care commits to a target of 75% of the adult population to be registered with the app by March 2024.
By March 2023, the Department of Health says NHS App users will be able to book their covid-19 vaccines through it, receive notifications and messaging, start to view and manage hospital elective care appointments and manage their own contact details.
Dr Timothy Ferris, NHS director of transformation, said: “The NHS App is already in the pockets of millions of people, providing easy access to crucial everyday NHS services like repeat prescriptions.
“Our vision is to transform the NHS App into a front door for the NHS, with many exciting new features and changes planned over the coming months and years from better access to your GP record, to booking your Covid vaccine appointments.”