Health service bosses say process for managing dependants’ appointments, ordering repeat medication, and viewing test results is ‘as simple as switching Netflix profiles’ and will also increase the NHS’s efficiency
NHS England has announced the rollout of a simplified application process for “family access” features on the health service app, making it easier for people to manage the healthcare of their children and other dependants.
The move follows a pilot across 68 GP practices that has seen nearly 12,000 people apply remotely for authorisation to manage appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and view test results for family members they care for.
Currently, the process for adding children and others being cared for to an individual’s app involves visiting a GP surgery in person and dealing with around half an hour of paperwork, NHS England said.
The new process – which NHS England said would be rolled out more widely from next year – removes the need for an in-person visit to a practice for those who are seeking to add a child or other dependent to their app. The only proviso is that they must be registered at the same GP practice.
Following the remote application, verification checks are conducted through national NHS systems and the GP practice itself before access is granted.
NHS England clinical transformation director Dr Vin Diwakar said the streamlined process for family access would make people’s lives simpler – and save the health service money.
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“The family access feature in the NHS App makes it much easier for parents and carers to support the health of their loved ones – and it’s as simple as switching Netflix profiles,” he said. “It’s also hugely beneficial for GP practices, reducing the time staff spend on admin and freeing up resources, as well as improving efficiency and coordination of care. This is a great example of how we’re transforming healthcare by harnessing digital technology as part of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, as well as tackling digital exclusion.”
NHS England said the pilot had revealed the service was most often used by parents acting on behalf of their children.
It added that the NHS App now has 38.5 million registered users, with an average of 56.5 million logins each month for people managing their healthcare.
A total of 61.5 million repeat prescriptions were ordered via the NHS App over the last 12 months, a 46% increase on the previous year. Over the same period, app users viewed patient test results 87.4 million times.
Earlier this year, prime minister Keir Starmer announced plans for NHS England to be “merged” back into the Department of Health and Social Care, effectively scrapping the organisation.
The move is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.
