NHS App 12+

I’ve had conversations with NHS digital stretching back nearly 3 years. Apple, for example, were using HL7 of FHIR and if the NHS did so we could have everything (and I mean everything) on the Health App. As they do in the US and elsewhere. But yet again they set about developing their own app. Just like test, track and trace tried with some weird but unachievable ambition to collect our data and hold it centrally! All this app does is display, in an even less useful format, some of those records held by my GP. Other records, scans, letters, hospital details and reports aren’t available. A previous reviewer raised similar shortcomings but the reply just brushed him off. Even Patient Access allows a graphical display of test results (if you’re lucky and they’ve have been given identical titles). GPs have little time and less interest in my health than I do so I, along with many others, would like ALL our records in the same format and accessible by me. It is after all my data! Please stop re-inventing the wheel and direct your energies to ensuring ALL medical records are FHIR compliant for single source Smartphone access. Now wouldn’t that be really good in an emergency as we all have our phones on us even if we’re injured/unable to speak/immobile etc..

Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear you are disappointed with the NHS App. The NHS App is owned and run by the NHS, and is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services, such as ordering a repeat prescriptions or booking a consultations. By default, you can view your summary care record (SCR) in the NHS App. It shows information about allergies and adverse reactions, medicines, and your NHS number, name, address and date of birth.

Your GP decides whether to give you access to more detailed information in your record. To request full access to your detailed coded record, please contact your GP surgery.

If your GP surgery have given you access, but you still cannot see the information in your record in the NHS App, please contact us and we'll investigate further.

If there is anything else you would like to ask, please do not hesitate to contact us.

As a suggestion for future app updates, it would be useful to have a notes section for patients to record their own medical history, since this just isn’t being recorded. Hospital consultations, treatments & tests don’t appear to link in to local GP records, so this would empower patients to record events to help themselves & overwhelmed GPS.

Previous comments:
This seems to act as a barrier to getting medical help, which used to be a simple phone call. I cannot make an appointment anymore & have to apply for a phone call from a doc. I have to use this app, fill in ridiculous details, some of which I have to make up just to get to the part of the form. Then right at the end there is an error alert, so repeat the whole process and again, error notification. So then 2 emails eventually arrive with two bookings. Still waiting for a call from a doc, who I assume now has to wade through a form of irrelevant data, try and get hold of me and then decide whether I need to be seen face to face. This replaces a two minute phone call to a receptionist and usually same day appt. Older people who need medical support the most, will not be able to cope with this at all & will give up trying.

Thank you for leaving a review. We are very sorry to hear you are experiencing such difficulties. That really doesn't look like that is how the app is meant to work, can you please log a ticket here https://bit.ly/2TP6n9N (quote A833) and we will get back to you?

I fail to see why people are criticising this app. Easy to set up. It is clearly a work in progress and will be added to as we go along. Just being able to book an appointment takes so much pressure off the surgeries. Yes, reasons are limited at the moment but I’m sure as time goes on it will be populated more. Just think only a short while ago we had nothing like this and it’s very clear to see people (as they always do in the nhs) are working hard to make it work and I’m confident it will. Just think for all the neurotics, you can look up any ailment without being bombarded after with google adds, a big plus. The point about more medical information is quite right, I should think the surgery (gp) will need your permission to fully release what they are allowed to so thats something you personally need to deal with. I’m well impressed with it and it will get better. I’m sure in time all hospital correspondence (appointment/reminders) etc will be geared through this app. Just give it time. Bravo Zulu to the NHS 👍

We are very happy to hear this! Thank you very much for your review.