Millions able to view prescriptions on NHS app for first time
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the update will make the access to care ‘easier for everyone’.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Millions of people in England can access and view their prescriptions on the NHS app for the first time.
Patients will be able to see when their prescriptions have been issued and see their prescribed medication, while people waiting for elective treatments will be able to see the average wait time for their procedure at their local trust.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the update will make the access to care “easier for everyone”.
“Today’s update will mean ordering and collecting your prescriptions can be done with a few taps of your fingers,” she said.
“This will not only benefit anyone getting a prescription, it will also ease pressures on our hard-working pharmacists and GPs – freeing up valuable time for patients and helping to cut waiting lists.”
NHS England said each repeat prescription order from the app saves GP practices three minutes and saves patients 18 minutes with each online order.
Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for transformation at NHS England, said: “Giving all patients in England direct access to prescription information through the app means they’ll know when their prescription is issued and avoid delays in collection.
“The new feature will also mean people who haven’t set a nominated pharmacy will be able to present the barcode in the app to a pharmacy of their choice without needing a paper version.”
It comes as more than 8,500 patients in England were being treated in virtual wards in December with the NHS aiming to curb hospital wait times.
Figures published by NHS Digital last month revealed 8,586 patients were treated virtually in December 2023, up from 7,886 in November.
Virtual wards allow patients to receive care in their own homes with clinical staff using apps or wearable technology to monitor them remotely.
Teams can also prescribe medications, order blood tests and administer fluids intravenously if needed.
They are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) to treat those with frailty, acute respiratory infections and, since October, heart failure.