The NHS App and the online NHS login service (your NHS account) provide a simple, secure way to access a wide range of NHS services and information.
You can download the NHS App on a smartphone or tablet using the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, you can still use the same services by logging in to your NHS account through a web browser on the NHS website.
Millions of people already use the NHS App to manage their health quickly and securely.
You can find this video in a variety of languages and with subtitles and British Sign Language here.
What you can do with the NHS App
What you can do depends on your GP practice or hospital, but you may be able to:
- Order repeat prescriptions and choose or change your pharmacy
- Book and manage GP or hospital appointments
- View your GP health record, including test results and letters
- Contact your GP surgery securely
- View hospital referrals and appointments
- Find your NHS number
- Use NHS 111 online for urgent medical advice
- Receive messages from NHS services
If you are aged 16 or over, you can usually view your GP health record without needing to phone your surgery.
If you only have access to your summary record, you’ll see a message letting you know that you can request access to more information. You can contact your GP surgery and request access to your detailed coded record.
Help getting started
You can find step-by-step guidance and short explainer videos on the NHS Digital website, from how to view your messages and notifications, to how to order your prescription.
Messages in the NHS App
The NHS App has a secure inbox where you can receive messages from your GP surgery or other NHS services instead of texts or letters.
To receive messages, you must turn on notifications in the App settings. This can be done by following the instructions on the NHS website.
“The NHS App is fantastic. I have it downloaded on my phone.
Every encounter that I have with my surgery is immediately logged in the ‘GP health record’ section and I can view and order my repeat prescriptions which will be prepared by my chosen pharmacy.
Recently I was ‘fast-tracked’ to a department at Ipswich Hospital to have biopsies taken. I was very nervous about the outcome of these.
I knew that the consultant would write to my GP and that I would be able to read this through my NHS App in a week or so after the procedure.
But I had also downloaded the My Chart App in which the hospital logs everything about my healthcare at ESNEFT.
I was quite overcome with appreciation when I received a personal note from my consultant the day after my procedure …. “Dear Helen, I thought you’d like to know as soon as possible that you can be reassured that nothing untoward was found etc.”
Helen Rose, local resident
Managing the health service of a person you care for
If you provide care for a friend or relative you can manage some of their health services through the NHS App too. There’s more information on how to use the NHS to manage health services for others on the NHS website.
NHS App Support
Suffolk
Suffolk Libraries
Suffolk Libraries offer digital skills sessions across the county. Digital Champions drop-in sessions, delivered by East Suffolk Council, can help you get online, navigate services and manage your healthcare, including using the NHS App. Dedicated NHS App support sessions are also available.
The Rural Coffee Caravan
The Rural Coffee Caravan supports people living in rural communities across Suffolk by helping them access services and information. The Caravan team can help you navigate the NHS App and provide guidance in a friendly, community setting. Visit their website to get the timetable and locations for the Caravan.
Suffolk Family Carers
The Suffolk Family Carers website also has guidance for carers, including how to gain proxy access to health records for someone you care for.
You may also wish to ask your GP surgery whether their Patient Participation Group (PPG) can offer support.
Norfolk
Norfolk Libraries – Digital Health Hubs
Norfolk Libraries run Digital Health Hubs, offering 1‑to‑1 support to help people use online NHS services, including the NHS App. Sessions are available in person across Norfolk libraries or online.
Tech Skills for Life
The Tech Skills for Life programme helps Norfolk residents use the NHS App by offering free, personalised digital support through Community Tech Coaches who teach people how to use smartphones, tablets, and laptops, build confidence online, and navigate essential digital health services such as downloading the NHS App and using it to book GP appointments.
No smartphone or tablet? Using your NHS account using a web browser
If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, you can still use the same services by logging in to your NHS account through a web browser on the NHS website.
You can find a video series of how to guides here, from how to log in to your NHS account to how to view your GP health record.
