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NHS App Information Page

  • Writer: Healthwatch Reading
    Healthwatch Reading
  • Aug 27
  • 5 min read

Last updated August 2026


Welcome to our NHS App information page. This is your one-stop page for support and guidance for using the app. Whether you're just getting started or want to learn more, we’ve got you covered.


If you can’t use the NHS App on your mobile phone, you can still access the same services and information through the NHS website. You can log in online using a laptop, computer, tablet or phone with internet access: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/


You can also contact your GP practice or pharmacy by phone or in person to make appointments or request information.


What you can do with the NHS App


  • Order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them.

  • Book and manage appointments.

  • Manage hospital appointments and referrals in some areas, although availability varies.

  • Receive messages and notifications from your NHS services.

  • View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results).

  • Book and manage coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations.

  • Register your organ donation decision.

  • Choose how the NHS uses your data.

  • View your NHS number. 

  • Use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you.


NHS App abbreviations

An abbreviation is a short way of writing a longer word or phrase. Click below to find out what some common medical abbreviations mean, which you may see when using the NHS App.


Please note that healthcare professionals sometimes use the same abbreviation to mean different things. If you're unsure about the meaning of a word or phrase, please ask your healthcare professional.




What's coming next in the app

New features planned for the NHS App 2026/2027 (no confirmed dates) include follow-up appointment requests and access to specialist care through the NHS’s new online hospital. You can read more about NHS Online: NHS to launch national online hospital: what does this mean for you.


The NHS is also currently working on:

  • Trialling AI-assisted triage across London and exploring how to scale it across England.

  • Making appointment information clearer, including in-person vs phone appointments.

  • Introducing "invite-to-book" which lets patients choose available appointment slots.

  • Extending appointment management to people who manage healthcare for others.

  • Improving referral tracking and transparency.

  • Simplifying the route to the best GP appointment booking option.

  • Exploring a new way to access GP appointments alongside AI-assisted triage.

  • Expanding prescription tracking and ready-to-collect notifications.

  • Adding repeat-prescription reminders.

  • Improving prescription management for people managing medicines for others.

  • Helping users find information in appointment notes.

  • Improving the documents section of health records.

  • Exploring how to combine test results from different sources.


Other app changes further down the pipeline (with no confirmed date)

  • Enable patients to view and cancel GP appointments.

  • Improve the experience for patients waiting for treatment.

  • Improve GP appointment booking error messages.

  • Support “only order what you need” from pharmacies to reduce medicines waste.

  • Allow patients to download or share their GP health record.


Information leaflets

What is the NHS app (English - NHS England)

Click below to download.



Getting started with the NHS app - step by step instructions (English - NHS England)

Click below to download.



NHS app Step-by-step guide (English - NHS England)

Click below to download.



Easy-read information


Introducing the NHS App: An easy read document to support people to download and access the NHS App

(English - Black Country Integrated Care System)

Click below to download.



How to register to the NHS App using a smartphone or tablet

(English - NHS Sussex)

Click below to download.



How to register for the NHS App using a computer

(English - NHS Sussex)

Click below to download.



Videos

Below are translated guides on how to use the NHS app, created by Caafi Health, OneCare, and Bristol Inner City Primary Care Network. Please click on the clinks to view the videos.



 



NHS step-by-step video guides for the NHS app (English and BSL):

New videos and information (June 2026)



Having issues with the NHS app?

  • You can contact your GP surgery by telephone or in person. Some GP surgeries have dedicated NHS App ambassadors. More details below.


  • You can call the NHS England Digital team about any issues you are having with the app. You can contact their customer service centre.

    Opening times: 9am -5pm - Monday to Friday, except Wednesdays, when it opens from 9.30am.

          Email: enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk

          Telephone:  0300 303 5678

          Website/Online: Tell us what you need help with


  • You can also attend the free in-person Digital Cafes run in your local area (more details follow below).


When to go to your GP surgery for help with the NHS App

NHS England advises visiting or calling your GP surgery when:

• You don't have the required ID and require a PIN document for access without ID

• You don't have a postcode and need their NHS number to complete the set-up

• You are experiencing technical issues that you can't solve

• You need additional support due to accessibility needs

• You are unsure about any aspect of the registration process


NHS App digital cafés 

You can receive help and advice on the NHS app at local digital cafes. They are free and offer friendly one-to-one support to help you build confidence with everyday digital skills. You can get help with:

  •  Use the NHS app

  • Use your smartphone or tablet

  •  Access the internet and use a digital device

  •  Ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting


You don't need to book to join a cafe session. Just turn up on the day at any of these cafes below:

Place

Date and time

Wokingham Library 

Carnival Hub, Wellington Rd, Wokingham RG40 2AF

Fourth Monday of every month

3pm-4.30pm

Emmanuel Methodist Church, Reading

448 Oxford Road

RG30 1EE  

Third Tuesday of the month

11.30am-1.00pm 


Have your say with Healthwatch!

We'd love to know what you think of the NHS App

  • Is the NHS app working for you?

  • How can the app be improved?


Share your anonymous feedback (negative or positive) with us. Your voice matters as it helps us work with the NHS locally and nationally to improve how services are delivered.


Call: 0118 214 5579

Online: click here to complete a short online form

3 Comments

robert frost
robert frost
Jun 26

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Edited
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Patricia P. McNeil
Patricia P. McNeil
Jun 13

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Patricia P. McNeil
Patricia P. McNeil
Jun 09

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