The UK Government has announced the accelerated launch of the NHS App, which is providing patients with greater choice and flexibility in accessing healthcare.
As per the latest data, 1.5 million hospital appointments have been saved due to this rollout.
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This progress is a key element of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at reducing hospital backlogs and enhancing patient care.
The NHS App allows users to manage appointments, view prescriptions, get access to their general practitioner (GP) health record, and receive notifications, thereby easing the pressure on healthcare services and facilitating access to information.
The government has surpassed its target of enabling 85% of hospitals to offer appointment information via the app by the end of last month, achieving an 87% mark, up from 68% in July 2024.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As we deliver our Plan for Change to end hospital backlogs, I want to see more and more people having the option to use the app, so that everyone benefits from more control and choice over their treatment.”
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By GlobalDataThe expansion of the app’s use was detailed in the government’s elective reform plan earlier this year, which aims to offer patients a broader choice of providers and a straightforward appointment booking process.
This initiative is part of a broader government effort to leverage health data to expedite drug discovery and enhance patient care.
A joint investment of up to £600m ($804.52m) by Starmer and the Wellcome Trust will establish a new health data research service, offering secure access to large-scale NHS datasets and supporting the UK’s life sciences sector.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “By putting the latest technology into the hands of patients so they can access services quicker, we’re freeing up more time for doctors and nurses to focus on treating people and getting waiting lists down.”
Future upgrades to the NHS App will enable patients to select from various providers, book tests at local community diagnostic centres, and quickly receive test results through the app, allowing them to decide on their next steps in treatment.
This month, the government revealed the expansion of the Advice and Guidance scheme, which is set to transform patient care by moving the focus from hospital to community settings.
