The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Lots of support is available to help you use the app.
Across mid and south Essex, over 500,000 people have downloaded the app and are using it to get health advice, book appointments and order prescriptions.
By switching on NHS App notifications, you can also help our local NHS save millions on SMS costs each year.
You can use the NHS App to:
- check your symptoms get health advice using the health A-Z on the NHS website
- get advice about COVID-19
- order repeat prescriptions
- book appointments
- find out what to do when they need help urgently using NHS 111 online
- view your health record
- register your organ donation decision
The functions on the NHS App depend on what your GP surgery has ‘switched on’ at the moment.
The app is free and owned by the NHS so you know your personal data is always secure. The NHS App is available to download on Google Play and Apple app stores.
Get support with the NHS App
Getting started
Find out how to set up your login and start using the NHS App.
How to set up your loginLocal support sessions
Many local libraries are hosting NHS App support sessions, you can find further details on the Essex libraries website, or ask in your local library for more information.
Essex County Council Libraries – EventsVideo guides
Watch these videos to help you get the most from the NHS App.
How to see NHS App messages and notifications:
How to navigate the NHS App home page:
The NHS App homepage
When you open the NHS App, you will see your name and NHS Number at the top of the screen.
Boxes under the heading Services and your health take you directly into popular areas of the app.
You can use the Services area of the app to look after your health by ordering prescriptions or checking appointments.
You can use the Your Health area to see and manage your healthcare, personal information and records.
You can also use the icons at the bottom of the screen to see everything in these two main sections.
Scroll down the screen to see your messages.
You can switch profiles and see the NHS App account of a relative or person you care for.
If you need help, visit nhs.uk/nhsapp
How to find services near you:
How to find services near you on the NHS App
On the Services page on the NHS App, you can order a repeat prescription, check for available GP appointments, use 111 online, find NHS services near you, and search for trusted NHS health information.
Some of these services depend on your GP surgery, so you may not see all of these links.
If you need help, you can visit nhs.uk/nhsapp
How to order repeat prescriptions:
How to order your repeat prescription on the NHS App
You can order your repeat prescription on the NHS App.
On the homepage, select Request Repeat Prescriptions.
You will see or can change your nominated pharmacy, then select Continue.
You will see your medicines. Select what you need, then select Continue.
If you’re happy with the details, select Request Prescriptions. Your prescription has now been requested.
You can find out what to do next, see the status of your request, and see that the medicine you requested is waiting for approval.
If you need help, you can visit nhs.uk/nhsapp
How to contact NHS 111 through the NHS App:
How to use 111 on the NHS App
Use 111 online on the NHS App to check if you need medical help right now.
You’ll be asked to agree to given certain information with the online service.
Check you are happy with the details.
Select Start to use 111 online.
Read the checklist and confirm you don’t need to call 999.
111 online does not know your health record, so you may need to give this information.
From here you can use 111 online.
If you need help, go to nhs.uk/nhsapp
How to see your GP health record:
How to see your GP health record on the NHS App
You can use the NHS App to see your GP health record.
You can see information about your medicines, health conditions, and your test results.
You will see a warning message saying your health record may contain sensitive information.
Select Continue if you’re happy to see your GP health record.
You will then see information about your health conditions, medicines, test results, and documents.
If you need help, visit nhs.uk/nhsapp