How to use the NHS App - a beginner's guide
Would you like to check on your test results, order your repeat prescriptions and book selected appointments at your convenience – 24/7? The NHS App is secure, fast to set up and easy to use – providing you with information about your medical records, health and treatments – all at your fingertips. Access to medical advice through GP digital triage will be coming soon.
"The NHS App helps me to manage my condition and book appointments with the nurse. I can check my test results and order my repeat prescriptions, even when I am at work. Being able to view my medical record helps me to feel in control. I find the symptom checker really useful when members of my family feel unwell. The NHS App is really easy to use and helps to make my life simpler."
What you can do with the NHS App
With full access to the NHS App you can:
- Order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them
- Book blood tests and flu vaccinations
- View your GP health record to see information like your allergies, medicine and test results
- Register your organ donation decision
- Choose how the NHS uses your data
- View your NHS number
- Use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you.
Access to medical advice through GP digital triage will be coming soon.
If you would like help in downloading and registering from the NHS App, our NHS App Champions will be providing drop-in training sessions at Medwyn Surgery every Wednesday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm.
No booking required!
To be able to make full use of the range of services provided by the NHS App, you will need to confirm your identity. Please bring one of the following types of identification:
- Passport
- UK driving licence (full or provisional)
- European driving licence (full)
- European national identity card.
"The NHS App is extremely helpful in keeping patients informed of their test results. Patients can take control of their repeat prescriptions by being able to view when their GP has received and reviewed their prescription request."
Downloading the NHS App
To be able to use the NHS app, you will need to download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Registering for the NHS App
To register for the NHS App, you must be aged 13 and over and registered with a GP surgery in England.
If you’re aged 13 to 15, you will need to contact Medwyn Surgery to request access to GP online services before you can use the app.
If your device supports fingerprint detection or facial recognition, you can use it to log in to your NHS App, instead of using a password and security code.
You can download PDF instructions here.
- It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to register your details on the app. It is best to have your NHS number (a 10-digit number found in most documents or letters sent to you by the NHS) as this is the easiest way to match you with your NHS profile. If you do not know your NHS number, you can use your full name, date of birth, postcode and email address.
- Once you have entered your personal details you will need to create a secure password.
- Once you have created your password, read over the terms of use and click agree to terms of use.
- You will now be asked to enter an email address. You will be sent an email to confirm your email address. Once you have clicked the link in the email, press I have confirmed my email.
- Now enter your mobile number. This will generate a text message to your mobile number with a security code for you to type into the app.
- You will now be asked if you know your NHS number. If you do, type it in.
- Do not worry if you do not know your NHS number, you can still continue: just select 'no' and enter your full name, date of birth and postcode.
- After you have entered all the information needed, read the terms and conditions and information on cookies. Once you are happy with them select agree.
- The last step in registering for the NHS App is submitting your notification preferences. Once you have chosen how you would like to receive these you will be registered.
- You can use the following types of identification:
- Passport
- UK driving licence (full or provisional)
- European driving licence (full)
- European national identity card.
- You will need to take a photo of your ID and a short video or picture of yourself. These images are only used to confirm your identity and will not be shared with any third parties.
- In order for the app to locate your NHS records, it will ask you to enter your NHS number. If you do not know it, the app will ask you for some personal details:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Postcode
- Email address.
- Once you’ve submitted the application, your information is then sent to be verified. This normally takes about two hours but it can take a bit longer during busy periods.
- After everything has been verified, you will receive an email to tell you whether or not your information has passed all security checks.
- If for any reason your details have not been verified, your email will tell you what to do next.
- You can download PDF instructions here.
"Booking an appointment with one of the nursing team has never been so easy. Using the NHS App, patients can book an appointment at a time that is convenient for them."
Login to the NHS App
- Each time you log on to the NHS App you will need to enter your email and password. Alternatively, if your mobile device supports fingerprint or face recognition, you can use that method instead - making it even easier to access the NHS App.
- Open Settings in the NHS App, in the top right-hand corner, and click on ‘Touch ID’, then slide the ‘Log in with Touch ID’ slider until it turns green.
- You will need to connect your NHS login to Medwyn Surgery to be able to start using the NHS App. To do this click ‘connect to GP surgery’, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Linked profiles & proxy access
As a parent, family member or carer, you may be able to access services for someone else using linked profiles. This is also sometimes called having proxy access.
The linked profile cannot be set up using the NHS App. You will need to contact Medwyn Surgery where you and the other person are both registered in order for us to set this up. You can then access the linked profile by using the NHS App or by logging in through the NHS website.
You can download PDF instructions here.
