NHS app to alert users when prescriptions are ready

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 09:45 · Archive

The NHS app will send notifications to smartphones and smartwatches when medication is ready for collection.

The NHS app is adding a new feature that sends notifications to smartphones and smartwatches when prescriptions are ready to collect. NHS England says the update will help reduce unnecessary phone calls and premature visits to pharmacies.

The new alerts build on an existing prescription tracker, which NHS officials have described as 'Amazon-style'. The tracker has already been used by nearly 2.9 million people. Around one in three pharmacies in England now offer the tracking service.

Users must enable push notifications in the app to receive the alerts. The feature is designed to provide near real-time updates, helping patients avoid repeated checks on the app or unnecessary contact with their pharmacy.

James Frith, the health innovation minister, said the new feature is 'a practical example of how digital technology can make a difference to people's everyday experience of the NHS, while also helping to reduce unnecessary calls and free up valuable time for pharmacy staff to focus on supporting patients'.

Rob Thompson, chief digital, data and technology officer at NHS England, said the alerts represent 'the latest step in the NHS giving people more control over how they manage their healthcare, as well as helping to reduce admin for staff'. He noted that thousands of pharmacies are already live with the service and encouraged all NHS app users to enable notifications.

How it is being reported

• Fed up of checking with your pharmacy? New NHS app alert could save you a tripThe new feature, available through the NHS app, sends notifications to smartphones and smartwatches when medication is ready for collection.Whitehaven News · 12 Oct, 09:32
• Fed up of checking with your pharmacy? New NHS app alert could save you a tripThe new feature, available through the NHS app, sends notifications to smartphones and smartwatches when medication is ready for collection.News & Star · 12 Oct, 09:32
• Fed up of checking with your pharmacy? New NHS app alert could save you a tripThe new feature, available through the NHS app, sends notifications to smartphones and smartwatches when medication is ready for collection.NW Evening Mail · 12 Oct, 09:32
• Fed up of checking with your pharmacy? New NHS app alert could save you a tripThe new feature, available through the NHS app, sends notifications to smartphones and smartwatches when medication is ready for collection.Westmorland Gazette · 12 Oct, 09:32

In this story: NHS England · James Frith · Rob Thompson · England

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