The NHS App
Most successful political ideas start as grossly exaggerated aspirations that then over many years adapt, jump through administrative hurdles, get changed due to legal requirements and eventually are most often repackaged by the political party who in opposition opposed the introduction in the first place. However, if the idea is a good one and the aspiration apolitical then often this process does lead to success. The NHS App is an example of this and now is the time to get on board with it.
The idea of universal access to the NHS via smartphones started in 2018. The technology stuttered for many years and it was not until 2021 that the App had its first measurable success providing digital Covid passports for anyone travelling abroad. It has continued to slowly develop to the point that it now interacts seamlessly with GP computer systems. This means you can book appointments, see test results and view your medical record via the App. Understandably to set it up on your phone you do need to go through a procedure to prove your identity. This is reassuringly comprehensive but relatively quick, a strong testament to how much potential the App has.
We have therefore now reached the point where the current Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, is strongly promoting the App, making it one of the cornerstones of his 10 Year Plan for the NHS. GP practices are encouraging patients to download the App and register, however, so far not many patients are using it.
In Devon we are fortunate that RDUH is one of the leaders in Secondary Care electronic communication, adopting the MyCare system in 2021. Many patients will have experience of using the MyCare App to look at their hospital records and results. Although it does not directly link with the NHS App yet, almost all of the information is available via both Apps. If you need any help setting them up on your phone then please contact Joan Povey, our Digital Social Prescriber on 07958 190554, leave a message and arrange to meet her or drop in to Silverton Room4U on a Thursday 9.30 – 10.30.
Both the NHS App and MyCare combine well with the systems we have in place at Wyndham House. Our computer system now automatically texts patients when their medication is ready and this year’s Flu vaccine appointments were almost all booked using our on-line system. Sending an email via our website is also an excellent way of dealing with any administrative queries or tasks e.g. updating a medical certificate. However, for any clinical questions we think it is still much more efficient to ring and make an appointment with one of the GPs, either face-to-face or telephone, according to the circumstances.
Anthony O’Brien
Wyndham House Surgery