NHS Unveils Mobile App to Let Patients Book GP Visits Online

[MacRumors]

The British government has announced plans to launch a new NHS mobile app that will let patients in England make appointments with their doctor.

The app will also allow users to order repeat prescriptions, manage their long-term healthcare, see their medical records, and quickly access 111 for urgent queries.

In addition, users will have access to patient preferences related to data sharing, organ donation, and end-of-life care.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt described the app as a "birthday present from the NHS to the British people", 70 years after the service was founded.

The NHS app is a world-first which will put patients firmly in the driving seat and revolutionize the way we access health services.

I want this innovation to mark the death-knell of the 8am scramble for GP appointments that infuriates so many patients.

Technology has transformed everyday life when it comes to banking, travel and shopping. Health matters much more to all of us, and the prize of that same digital revolution in healthcare isn't just convenience but lives improved, extended and saved.

As the NHS turns 70 and we draw up a long-term plan for the NHS on the back of our £394 million a week funding boost, it's time to catch up and unleash the power of technology to transform everyday life for patients.

"The new app will put the NHS into the pocket of everyone in England but it is just one step on the journey," said Matthew Swindells, NHS England National Director of Operations and Information. "We are also developing an NHS Apps Library and putting free NHS Wi-Fi in GP surgeries and hospitals."

Today we have unveiled the new NHS App where you can book a raft of routine requests, including GP appointments and repeat prescriptions pic.twitter.com/CtX0UzZSIy - DHSC Media Centre (@DHSCmedia) July 2, 2018

Developed by NHS Digital and NHS England, the app will enter its testing phase in September and then roll out officially in December. It will be available on iOS devices through the App Store, as well as on Android phones via Google Play.

Article Link: NHS Unveils Mobile App to Let Patients Book GP Visits Online

 

[Bin Cook]

The British government has announced plans to launch a new NHS mobile app that will let patients in England make appointments with their doctor.

The app will also allow users to order repeat prescriptions, manage their long-term healthcare, see their medical records, and quickly access 111 for urgent queries.

In addition, users will have access to patient preferences related to data sharing, organ donation, and end-of-life care.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt described the app as a "birthday present from the NHS to the British people", 70 years after the service was founded.
"The new app will put the NHS into the pocket of everyone in England but it is just one step on the journey," said Matthew Swindells, NHS England National Director of Operations and Information. "We are also developing an NHS Apps Library and putting free NHS Wi-Fi in GP surgeries and hospitals."

​

Developed by NHS Digital and NHS England, the app will enter its testing phase in September and then roll out officially in December. It will be available on iOS devices through the App Store, as well as on Android phones via Google Play.

Article Link: NHS Unveils Mobile App to Let Patients Book GP Visits Online

All well and good but it will fall down on the back end. GP surgeries are managed independently of the NHS, as are the IT management contracts.

How many of the thousands of GP surgeries across the UK will support the app come December? My view is very few outside of the pathfinder areas.

 

[johnyslats]

Death-knell of the 8am scramble? Doubtful! Been managing my GP appointments online for a number of years and the first bookable slots are always weeks away. In my experience, anything more urgent will always require a call or 8am visit in person to secure an appointment

 

[ocanalix]

How is this any different from the multiple apps that already exist? Seems like a waste of resources.

 

[Gudd]

How is this any different from the multiple apps that already exist? Seems like a waste of resources.

Agreed. Been doing this for several years now with the "Patient Access" application. OK, so "application" is stretching it a bit since it is just an app wrapper around the website but you could say that of many apps from lazy developers. I haven't needed to book an appointment with a doctor for years now (fortunately), but I've been ordering repeat prescriptions in the app for multiple years.

 

[Crash0veride]

Sounds like a data / privacy breach waiting to happen, but certainly sounds a lot more convenient than medical service currently.

 

[827538]

Why only in England?

I’m all for it though, absolutely stupid the current free for all system. Far too many pensioners taking all the appointments over nothing resulting in a nightmare for younger people trying to get an occasional appointment.

Sister nearly died of sepsis thanks to A, incredibly rude and unhelpful receptionist staff and B, pensioners taking forever while she nearly passed out in the waiting room.

The NHS could be fixed with ease. Ban free healthcare for drug addicts, alcoholics and obese - make them pay for their own self inflicated problems. Why should people who look after their health subsidise those who don’t?
Also give £20 fines for those who fail to turn up to appointments.

The UK lacks any sense of personal responsibility.
[doublepost=1530617944][/doublepost]

How is this any different from the multiple apps that already exist? Seems like a waste of resources.

Perhaps focusing everything in one straight forward location is a good idea? I certainly think so.

A bit like the gov.uk website that focused all information in one place with easy to use and find interfaces.

 

[hauld yer wheesht]

Why only in England?

I’m all for it though, absolutely stupid the current free for all system. Far too many pensioners taking all the appointments over nothing resulting in a nightmare for younger people trying to get an occasional appointment.

Sister nearly died of sepsis thanks to A, incredibly rude and unhelpful receptionist staff and B, pensioners taking forever while she nearly passed out in the waiting room.

The NHS could be fixed with ease. Ban free healthcare for drug addicts, alcoholics and obese - make them pay for their own self inflicated problems. Why should people who look after their health subsidise those who don’t?
Also give £20 fines for those who fail to turn up to appointments.

The UK lacks any sense of personal responsibility.
[doublepost=1530617944][/doublepost]

Perhaps focusing everything in one straight forward location is a good idea? I certainly think so.

A bit like the gov.uk website that focused all information in one place with easy to use and find interfaces.

it's because the UK is currently a union of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The NHS is devolved within the separate governments & assemblies of those 4 countries, except England, which does not have a govenment.

A major data breach waiting to happen when the service is launched.

 

[nnoble]

People in the UK could give the NHS their own present by looking after themselves better and stop abusing the system.

 

[kirkmc]

My GP surgery has already adopted the new national system on their website. I assume others will soon be doing the same.

 

[Quu]

My GP surgery already is part of some App that does this. Seems kind of redundant.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

The NHS could be fixed with ease. Ban free healthcare for drug addicts, alcoholics and obese - make them pay for their own self inflicated problems. Why should people who look after their health subsidise those who don’t?
Also give £20 fines for those who fail to turn up to appointments.

The UK lacks any sense of personal responsibility
.

So what about people who get injured participating in xtreme sports. That is self inflicted. Can of worms methinks

 

[bluecoast]

When you read about all the services that Estonia has available online, the UK feels like it’s lagging, so this is a step in the right direction. Yes I’m aware that this is just for NHS England as NHS Wales and Scotland are managed differently (I’m not sure about Northern Ireland).

Now I’m just waiting for this thread to be hijacked into an argument vs private and state provided healthcare systems!

 

[jasonsmith_88]

The NHS could be fixed with ease. Ban free healthcare for drug addicts, alcoholics and obese - make them pay for their own self inflicated problems. Why should people who look after their health subsidise those who don’t?

Absolutely! And let's ban those who get injured in road accidents, because they knew the dangers and chose to drive anyway. But let's also ban it for those who choose to walk, because they knew spending time outside was exposing them to pollution. Let's also ban it for disabled people if the parents were warned in advance that conceiving would result in a high risk of disability. We should also ban it for anyone using any kind of machinery that has a non-zero chance of causing injury. But why stop there? Let's ban it for anyone that does anything that has a non-zero chance of injury, that's self-infliction and I'll be damned if I'm paying for that!

If you prefer a system where people needlessly die because "my tax money shouldn't go there", feel free to move to a country that doesn't have universal healthcare. There's plenty of them.

Meanwhile, the rest of us who believe that every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments will continue to support a system that provides unbiased universal healthcare to everyone.

 

[matjamca]

Why only in England?

I’m all for it though, absolutely stupid the current free for all system. Far too many pensioners taking all the appointments over nothing resulting in a nightmare for younger people trying to get an occasional appointment.

Sister nearly died of sepsis thanks to A, incredibly rude and unhelpful receptionist staff and B, pensioners taking forever while she nearly passed out in the waiting room.

The NHS could be fixed with ease. Ban free healthcare for drug addicts, alcoholics and obese - make them pay for their own self inflicated problems. Why should people who look after their health subsidise those who don’t?
Also give £20 fines for those who fail to turn up to appointments.

The UK lacks any sense of personal responsibility.
[doublepost=1530617944][/doublepost]

Perhaps focusing everything in one straight forward location is a good idea? I certainly think so.

A bit like the gov.uk website that focused all information in one place with easy to use and find interfaces.

Addiction, Alcoholism and Obesity are often linked with mental health problems such as depression. You cannot ban those patients from using the NHS.

Besides, those people will be paying tax one way or another and so would be more than entitled to NHS care.
[doublepost=1530624511][/doublepost]

Absolutely! And let's ban those who get injured in road accidents, because they knew the dangers and chose to drive anyway. But let's also ban it for those who choose to walk, because they knew spending time outside was exposing them to pollution. Let's also ban it for disabled people if the parents were warned in advance that conceiving would result in a high risk of disability. We should also ban it for anyone using any kind of machinery that has a non-zero chance of causing injury. But why stop there? Let's ban it for anyone that does anything that has a non-zero chance of injury, that's self-infliction and I'll be damned if I'm paying for that!

If you prefer a system where people needlessly die because "my tax money shouldn't go there", feel free to move to a country that doesn't have universal healthcare. There's plenty of them.

Meanwhile, the rest of us who believe that every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments will continue to support a system that provides unbiased universal healthcare to everyone.

Well said!

 

[BruceEBonus]

Death-knell of the 8am scramble? Doubtful! Been managing my GP appointments online for a number of years and the first bookable slots are always weeks away. In my experience, anything more urgent will always require a call or 8am visit in person to secure an appointment

Agreed. It is ironic that you've got to be pretty fit to get up and be one step ahead in order to be in there to book an appointment with the Receptionist before the rush because.... .. you're ill!

 

[827538]

Absolutely! And let's ban those who get injured in road accidents, because they knew the dangers and chose to drive anyway. But let's also ban it for those who choose to walk, because they knew spending time outside was exposing them to pollution. Let's also ban it for disabled people if the parents were warned in advance that conceiving would result in a high risk of disability. We should also ban it for anyone using any kind of machinery that has a non-zero chance of causing injury. But why stop there? Let's ban it for anyone that does anything that has a non-zero chance of injury, that's self-infliction and I'll be damned if I'm paying for that!

If you prefer a system where people needlessly die because "my tax money shouldn't go there", feel free to move to a country that doesn't have universal healthcare. There's plenty of them.

Meanwhile, the rest of us who believe that every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments will continue to support a system that provides unbiased universal healthcare to everyone.

Enjoy your third rate healthcare!

'every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments' - I assume you'll be paying for healthcare for the entire third world then? Easy to virtue signal.
[doublepost=1530638426][/doublepost]

Addiction, Alcoholism and Obesity are often linked with mental health problems such as depression. You cannot ban those patients from using the NHS.

Besides, those people will be paying tax one way or another and so would be more than entitled to NHS care.
[doublepost=1530624511][/doublepost]

Well said!

Are these people obese because of depression and mental health or depressed because of their lazy and poor choices which led to obesity? Because I think you're conflating two different things. Connotation, not denotation.

Again, enjoy paying for the healthcare of lazy, feckless obese/drug addicts/alcoholics. I'll keep my money for myself and my family. I know its trendy to bash the US but as a Brit with an American wife it's pretty great moving from the UK to US. Much more money ($125k as an electronic engineer and my wife on more than that as an international tax and estate planner), much lower taxes, healthcare at $150/month for the two of us, freedom of speech, almost everything is cheaper. With Trump repealing the ACA tax on people it lowers the cost for the likes of my family - healthy, non smoking and wealthy.

Healthcare costs are a problem in the US but I am 100% of the belief that if you live a healthy life and stay in shape you should be rewarded with far cheaper healthcare costs. Personal responsibility is sorely lacking.

45% income tax + NI is absolutely obscene. Not too mention 20% VAT, high rates of council tax, extremely high fuel duty + VAT. For what? Roads that wouldn't look out of place in the third world, a failing NHS, sky high housing costs, failing education standards, Police that would rather arrest people on Twitter than moped gangs and muslim rape gangs...

The UK is a basket case.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

Enjoy your third rate healthcare!

'every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments' - I assume you'll be paying for healthcare for the entire third world then? Easy to virtue signal.
[doublepost=1530638426][/doublepost]

Are these people obese because of depression and mental health or depressed because of their lazy and poor choices which led to obesity? Because I think you're conflating two different things. Connotation, not denotation.

Again, enjoy paying for the healthcare of lazy, feckless obese/drug addicts/alcoholics. I'll keep my money for myself and my family. I know its trendy to bash the US but as a Brit with an American wife it's pretty great moving from the UK to US. Much more money ($125k as an electronic engineer and my wife on more than that as an international tax and estate planner), much lower taxes, healthcare at $150/month for the two of us, freedom of speech, almost everything is cheaper. With Trump repealing the ACA tax on people it lowers the cost for the likes of my family - healthy, non smoking and wealthy.

Healthcare costs are a problem in the US but I am 100% of the belief that if you live a healthy life and stay in shape you should be rewarded with far cheaper healthcare costs. Personal responsibility is sorely lacking.

45% income tax + NI is absolutely obscene. Not too mention 20% VAT, high rates of council tax, extremely high fuel duty + VAT. For what? Roads that wouldn't look out of place in the third world, a failing NHS, sky high housing costs, failing education standards, Police that would rather arrest people on Twitter than moped gangs and muslim rape gangs...

The UK is a basket case.

Classis "I'm alright Jack".

 

[Delta-NC]

Deleted.

 

[bluecoast]

Because while the NHS seems to most people to be one big organisation, it is in fact not. The NHS in Scotland for example is entirely separate from the NHS in England and is devolved to the Scottish government, which is the reason we still have a functioning NHS in Scotland.



The answer is pretty simple, you don’t have the slightest idea what you are talking about nor do you care to do any research because you like to feel superior to other human beings. Cost of giving a drug addict methadone is much cheaper than policing drug crime. With the added benefit of being able to wean someone off drugs and into employment. Try reading some research and statistics instead of the Daily Mail.



Compared to Estonia the UK may as well be scratching text into stone tablets. When Scotland becomes independent I very much hope we will implement a similar programme.

I think the problem was that the U.K. government used to get one of the big consultancies when it needed to do anything IT related who invariably failed to deliver a properly working solution (if at all) after hundreds of millions - if not billions had been spent.

They seem now to using an agile approach with small teams. And agile does tend to deliver. Good on them.

 

[kyjaotkb]

Yes there are systems currently to book appts in certain surgeries online. But looping everything under one umbrella with unified standards will greatly facilitate access to everyone. A step in the right direction for sure.

... until our whole country collapses next year anyway...

 

[chucker23n1]

Enjoy your third rate healthcare!

'every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments' - I assume you'll be paying for healthcare for the entire third world then? Easy to virtue signal.

Wait, so if one person believes that everyone deserves better, that one person must automatically be personally responsible to pay the bills for everyone? Has it occurred to you that there may be additional people who feel like that?

Are these people obese because of depression and mental health or depressed because of their lazy and poor choices which led to obesity? Because I think you're conflating two different things. Connotation, not denotation.

I'm not sure you understand what connotation and denotation are, but I'm fairly sure you don't understand how depression works.

Again, enjoy paying for the healthcare of lazy, feckless obese/drug addicts/alcoholics.

Gladly, actually! They deserve better.

I'll keep my money for myself and my family. I know its trendy to bash the US but as a Brit with an American wife it's pretty great moving from the UK to US. Much more money ($125k as an electronic engineer and my wife on more than that as an international tax and estate planner), much lower taxes, healthcare at $150/month for the two of us, freedom of speech, almost everything is cheaper. With Trump repealing the ACA tax on people it lowers the cost for the likes of my family - healthy, non smoking and wealthy.

Sounds like you've found a solution for yourself. You do you.

45% income tax + NI is absolutely obscene. Not too mention 20% VAT, high rates of council tax, extremely high fuel duty + VAT. For what? Roads that wouldn't look out of place in the third world, a failing NHS, sky high housing costs, failing education standards, Police that would rather arrest people on Twitter than moped gangs and muslim rape gangs...

The UK is a basket case.

"Muslim rape gangs". Mhm.

 

[coffeemadmanUK]

Enjoy your third rate healthcare!

'every human has a basic right to not die from completely curable ailments' - I assume you'll be paying for healthcare for the entire third world then? Easy to virtue signal.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40608253

I think we're doing alright.

Feel free to get your private healthcare. Or better yet move to the US where your dream healthcare awaits. We won't miss you

As for the app - if it's done well, then great. I am reserving judgement. Some of the newer healthcare apps (Echo etc) have been done quite well. I use Echo for prescriptions, and Patient Access to book appointments (but I hate Patient Access - it hasn't been updated in forever).

If ALL GP offices are required to use this app it could be revolutionary.

 

[bluecoast]

It’s a bit much that news like this gets dragged down into political debates which become polarised.

Apparently the Buddha once said ‘Seek the middle way in all things’ and I think that that is good advice.

 

[dbendixen]

Why only in England?

I’m all for it though, absolutely stupid the current free for all system. Far too many pensioners taking all the appointments over nothing resulting in a nightmare for younger people trying to get an occasional appointment.

Sister nearly died of sepsis thanks to A, incredibly rude and unhelpful receptionist staff and B, pensioners taking forever while she nearly passed out in the waiting room.

The NHS could be fixed with ease. Ban free healthcare for drug addicts, alcoholics and obese - make them pay for their own self inflicated problems. Why should people who look after their health subsidise those who don’t?
Also give £20 fines for those who fail to turn up to appointments.

The UK lacks any sense of personal responsibility.
[doublepost=1530617944][/doublepost]

Perhaps focusing everything in one straight forward location is a good idea? I certainly think so.

A bit like the gov.uk website that focused all information in one place with easy to use and find interfaces.

Love hearing from real citizens the complete load of crap that the universal healthcare system is. There are certainly areas in the US where we have similar problems with people dying or nearly dying from long waits but outside of a few major cities and particular problem areas it’s not an issue.