We have detected that you are using Internet Explorer to visit this website. Internet Explorer is now being phased out by Microsoft. As a result, NHS Digital no longer supports any version of Internet Explorer for our web-based products, as it involves considerable extra effort and expense, which cannot be justified from public funds. Some features on this site will not work. You should use a modern browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. If you have difficulty installing or accessing a different browser, contact your IT support team.
NHS App guidance
What GP practices need to know about the NHS App.
Test patients
See the NHS App the way your patients see it, using a test patient.
Features of the NHS App
Find out what patients can do in the NHS App, and how the features available to them are affected by settings in the clinical system your practice uses.
Referrals using the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)
Patients can manage their first hospital or clinic appointment with a specialist, using the NHS App.
Referrals guidance
Online consultations
Find out how the NHS App can help you triage patients effectively, and get suggested text to promote this to patients.
Online consultations guidance
Secure messaging
Patients can send non-urgent messages to your practice securely, and you can reply.
Secure messaging guidance
Prescriptions
Patients can order prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy.
Precriptions guidance
Appointments
Patients can book appointments through the NHS App. Find out how to make changes in your clinical system to give them the best possible experience of booking through the app.
Appointment guidance
Proxy access
Proxy access lets patients access medical services for a child, or someone else they care for.
Proxy access guidance
Patient medical records
Patients can view their medical record, at a level of detail set by you.
View record guidance
Promote the NHS App to your patients
We've developed a range of materials to help you spread the word to your patients.
Help for patients
Help patients get on board with the NHS App, and get more support if they need it.
Training and guidance
Training and support materials
Join a training course
NHSX, NHS Digital and the Practice Managers Association have developed a free interactive course to help practice staff learn about the NHS App.
Go to the course
Safeguarding and managing inappropriate use
Guidance on how to restrict access when you need to.
Safeguarding guidance
Monitoring use and improving digital access
Check how your patients use the NHS App and encourage digital access.
NHS App dashboard
Use the NHS App dashboard to see how many patients at your practice are using the NHS App, and which features they are using.
Dashboard guidance
Digital inclusion
Digital tools can empower patients to take control of their own health and care. We know lots of people face barriers to using apps and other technology, and that in some places GP practices are doing great work to help patients get on line and use new digital services.
View our guide to digital inclusion
Clinical safety
Any clinical safety incident must be reported.