NHSApp Push Notifications – be aware

Posted by: philheiden - Posted on:

Dear Patients,

The NHS App has become a vital and powerful tool, now integrated into many NHS services.

If you haven’t already downloaded the NHS App, we strongly encourage you to do so. More informantion here.

The NHS frequently uses SMS text messages to communicate important information such as appointment reminders, eligibility notifications, responses to online queries, data collection surveys, and guidance to appropriate services. While this method is effective and convenient, it does come at a financial cost to the NHS.

To help manage these costs, NHS England and NHS Digital are now prioritising free push notifications via the NHS App as the first method of communication. If push notifications are enabled, messages will be sent through the app initially. If a message remains unread for 24 hours, it will then be sent as a standard SMS.

We want to make you aware of this change to ensure you receive important updates promptly.

Our practice uses a system called Accurx to send SMS messages. For details on how it integrates with the NHS App and how to manage your push notification settings, please visit the Accurx Help Centre:
👉 Patient Support: How to use Accurx with the NHS App | Accurx Help Centre

Key Features of the NHS App:

  1. Receive push notifications from your medical provider.
  2. Access your GP health record, including:
    • Medications, allergies, test results, immunisations, and clinical notes.
  3. Book, view, or cancel GP appointments (limited to certain appointment types).
  4. Order repeat prescriptions and track their status.
  5. View your COVID-19 vaccination status and generate a COVID Pass.
  6. Use NHS 111 online for symptom checking and urgent medical advice.
  7. Register as an organ donor or update your preferences.
  8. View hospital and specialist appointments via the NHS e-Referral Service.
  9. Share your medical information securely with healthcare professionals when needed.

Best wishes