NHS App to notify patients when prescriptions are ready
New feature sends alerts to phones and smartwatches, building on existing prescription tracking.
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Patients using the NHS app will now receive notifications on their smartphones and smartwatches when their prescribed medication is ready for collection. NHS England has introduced this feature to streamline the prescription process, aiming to decrease unnecessary phone calls to pharmacies and reduce premature visits by patients.
Digital improvements for healthcare
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James Frith, health innovation minister, stated that the new functionality demonstrates how digital technology can enhance the patient experience within the NHS. He also noted its potential to reduce administrative burdens on pharmacy staff, allowing them more time to support individuals. Mr Frith encouraged all NHS app users to activate notifications to benefit from the service.
The alert system is an extension of the existing prescription tracker, which has been adopted by close to 2.9 million individuals. Rob Thompson, chief digital, data and technology officer at NHS England, described the alerts as the latest advancement in empowering patients to manage their healthcare more effectively and reducing administrative tasks for staff. He urged NHS app users to enable notifications for the full advantages.
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The prescription tracking service is currently available in about one-third of pharmacies across England. These new alerts are designed to provide near real-time updates, helping users avoid the need for frequent app checks or direct contact with their local pharmacy.
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, commented that making it simpler for patients to know when their prescription is ready can save time and prevent unnecessary trips to the pharmacy. She indicated this was a feature many patients had requested.
What happens next
To receive these alerts, users must ensure that push notifications are enabled within the NHS app settings. The service is now live for patients across England.
Questions this report answers
+How will patients be notified when their prescription is ready?
Patients will receive notifications on their smartphones and smartwatches through the NHS app when their medication is ready for collection. This feature aims to provide near real-time updates and reduce the need for manual checks or calls to the pharmacy.
+What is the existing prescription tracking service?
The new alert feature builds upon an existing prescription tracker within the NHS app, described as 'Amazon-style'. This tracker has already been used by nearly 2.9 million people and is available in about one-third of pharmacies in England.
+What are the benefits of this new feature?
NHS England states the update will help reduce unnecessary phone calls and premature visits to pharmacies. It also aims to free up pharmacy staff time and give patients more control over managing their healthcare.
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