New NHS app will let patients book GP visits online
Jeremy Hunt says the app will "mark the death-knell of the 8am scramble for GP appointments that infuriates so many patients".
Monday 2 July 2018 12:32, UK
NHS patients in England will be able to book GP appointments using a new smartphone app by the end of the year, the government says.
The app will offer patients a way to access their medical records, view test results, request repeat prescriptions and even set their organ donation status.
The Department of Health's ultimate vision is of "a future where patients across the country will be able to secure a GP appointment with the click of a button, rather than having to join a queue of callers attempting to ring the local surgery".
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the app will "revolutionise the way we access health services".
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"I want this innovation to mark the death-knell of the 8am scramble for GP appointments that infuriates so many patients," he said.
"As the NHS turns 70 and we draw up a long-term plan for the NHS on the back of our £394m a week funding boost, it's time to catch up and unleash the power of technology to transform everyday life for patients."
Despite Mr Hunt's statement, some are not convinced by the initiative.
Dr Neil Bhatia, a GP and Caldicott Guardian, told Sky News: "Online access to GP systems is nothing new. For many years now patients have been able to go online and book appointments, update their contact details, request their usual medication and view their electronic GP record.
"Unless the chronic shortage of GPs and the sheer workload that practices face is addressed, the 8am scramble for appointments will persist, as no online appointments will be available."
Sarah Wilkinson, the chief executive of NHS Digital, said: "We are working hard to deliver the secretary of state's vision for an NHS app which provides much easier access for individuals to key NHS services."
Ms Wilkinson said: "I have no doubt that people will hugely welcome the ability to access self-help diagnostic tools, more easily book GP appointments, view test results and order repeat prescriptions, and tell us about their personal preferences with respect to organ donation, use of their data and other aspects of their care.
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"We all know that demand for precious NHS services is escalating, and for a large portion of the population digital channels are a preferred means of access to data and services, so this is an opportunity to provide the easier access people want and relieve some burden from front-line providers."
Developed by NHS Digital and NHS England, the free app will be available in England on the App Store and Google Play from December 2018, with beta testing beginning in September.
The app will also give patients online access to the 111 service for urgent medical queries, as well as allow them to set their data sharing and end-of-life care preferences.
NHS England's director of operations and information, Matthew Swindells, said the app will empower "all our patients using digital technology to take charge of their own healthcare and contact the NHS in a way that suits them".
He added: "The new app will put the NHS into the pocket of everyone in England, but it is just one step on the journey, we are also developing an NHS Apps Library and putting free NHS wifi in GP surgeries and hospitals."