More patients in the South East are taking control of their healthcare thanks to the growth and flexibility of the NHS App.  

Growing numbers of people can now access both GP and community care appointments via the app as the NHS in the South East works to empower patients and supports them to embrace the new technology ahead of the publication of the 10 Year Plan for Health.  

Data shows that as of April, 63% of patients over the age of 13 registered with a GP in the region, are signed up to the app. 

As well as being able to view and order prescriptions, check medical records, register with a new GP practice, and much more, the majority of patients can now see primary and secondary care appointment details at the touch of a button. 

Almost all acute trusts in the region (95%) that provide short-term hospital-based or emergency care have enabled patients to view appointment details via the NHS App. This gives patients greater flexibility and control over their healthcare with easy access to supporting appointment information and surpasses the previous target in the elective reform plan of 85% of acute trusts signed up.  

As of January 2025, patients in the South East have been using the app to access such appointment information 381,000 times a month, a 300% increase on the same time last year.  

Mary, 71, from Portsmouth, uses the app regularly, and enjoys the ease and speed of accessing her medication. She said: “I went online to order my prescription, had a phone call within 30 minutes, might have been even quicker. Then it was ready that morning and I collected from Merali’s pharmacy. It was so quick, I was well impressed. 

“I order my medication online, it’s quicker on the NHS App than phoning up. If I’ve done it in the morning, sometimes you have it by the afternoon. If you do it on the phone, you can be number 20 in the queue.” 

Sarah, a 40-year-old mother of three, from Ampfield, Romsey said: “I use it to manage appointments and check results for our three children. It’s quick and easy.” 

The app has been a hit even for those not brought up in the smart-phone generation, with 84-year-old Yvonne from West End, Southampton saying:  “I like being able to see test results more quickly and seeing what action the GP recommends you should take. 

“I also appreciate being able to contact my surgery and order prescriptions.” 

Further development of the app is expected this year, and amongst other new features is planned to include options for remote monitoring of patients, information on waiting-lists, and the ability to cancel and rebook hospital appointments. 

Dr Tim Caroe, Medical Director, Primary Care Transformation for NHS England South East Region – and a GP in Eastbourne – said:   

“The app is a hugely positive step towards putting the NHS into the patients’ hands. Viewing appointment details through the app helps avoid the impact of postal delays and saves money that can be better spent on delivering the front line care the appointments are for.  

“I’m delighted that NHS providers and patients in the region have taken up the app so keenly, it is an extremely useful tool for both the NHS and patients, and its ongoing development will see the patient experience improve even further.”  

The NHS App can be downloaded by searching for ‘NHS App’ in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play. (Android)