Over six million people across the South East are using the NHS App to manage their health, taking advantage of having access to healthcare at their fingertips.  

With over 10.1million logins across the South East in December 2025 alone, the South East remains one of the highest adopting regions in England, and with 71% of patients aged 13+ registered with a GP now signed up to the app, that’s just over 6 million* people that are currently enjoying the convenience and flexibility the NHS app offers.  

Over the course of 2025 over 417,000 people in the south east used the NHS app to book or cancel GP appointments, with 1.78 million people ordering repeat prescriptions through the app.  

98% of GPs across the region had a patient use the NHS App to manage prescriptions in 2025, with 75% of GPs having had a patient use the online consultations feature in the app last year. 

People are being encouraged to make sure they have notifications turned on for the app to make their lives even easier, with alerts letting people know when prescriptions are ready to collect, meaning no wasted trips or need to call the pharmacy beforehand.  

As well as making life easier for patients, these small changes help free up time for administration and clinical staff, with every repeat prescription ordered electronically saving GP practices three minutes of administrative time.  

Alongside ordering repeat prescriptions, the app is increasingly helping patients take control of their healthcare, offering quick and convenient access to GP and community care appointments, Hospital appointment details, advice and guidance on managing conditions and test results and medical records.   

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.”  

Dr Tim Caroe, Director of Primary Care Transformation for the NHS in the South East, and a GP in Eastbourne, said:  

“The NHS App is becoming an essential part of how people manage their health, offering somewhere to go for help with their health any time. With more than four million people in the South East now using the app, we are seeing real benefits for patients — from easier access to prescriptions and test results to being able to see and keep track of crucial hospital appointments – I encourage all my patients to download it, turn on notifications and enjoy the convenience it brings.  

“This progress is only possible thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers across the region who are supporting people to get online and make the most of digital tools. We will continue to expand and improve these services so patients can take greater control of their care.”  

Across the region, NHS teams are supporting patients to start using the NHS and enjoy the benefits it brings. 
 
BOB ICB’s Digital Cafes forms part of the ICB’s commitment to supporting the digital transformation of health services. A particular focus is showing local people how to download, register with, and use the NHS App to support their health and wellbeing, view their health records, order repeat prescriptions, book appointments and find trusted advice.    

Digital Cafés run weekly across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West and are free to attend. They are hosted in accessible local venues such as community centres, GP practices, and libraries.    

In addition to support in using digital health services, the sessions offer help with registering for other online services and learning how to use them to reflect the ICB’s commitment to reducing digital exclusion and health inequalities.  

Meanwhile the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) is embedding Digital Care Coordinators within primary care teams to help patients make the most of the NHS App, supporting access to key services such as booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, and viewing health records.  

One example is Kay, a Digital Care Coordinator working in a GP practice in Hampshire. She provides hands-on support to patients who struggle with technology, offering guidance both in-practice and through home visits. Whether on a smartphone or desktop computer, Kay helps individuals register and navigate the app’s features, ensuring they feel confident and in control of their healthcare.  

By enabling more people to use the app it helps reduce the administrative pressure on practices, and empowering patients to manage their health more independently.