The surgery is beginning to use NHS App notifications more regularly to communicate with patients. In time, this will become our main (default) way of sending messages, instead of text messages or emails.
Patients will still have a choice about how they receive communications from us.
How will this work?
When possible, we will send messages to you via a notification in the NHS App. This will appear on your phone in the same way as other app notifications. You can then open the message securely within the NHS App.
Many of our patients already use the NHS App to:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- Book, view, or cancel appointments
- Access parts of their medical record
Messages from the surgery will now appear in the same trusted app, helping you feel confident that they are genuine. This will include appointment confirmations and reminders.
What if I don’t have the NHS App or notifications are off?
You will not miss any messages.
- If you do not have the NHS App, or
- If you have the app but notifications are not switched on,
the NHS Notify service will automatically send the message by text message or email instead.
If you receive an NHS App notification but do not open the message within 4 hours, it will also automatically fall back to a text message or email.
Why are we making this change?
Using the NHS App helps both patients and the NHS by:
- Supporting the NHS aim of digital-first communication
- Allowing GP surgery, hospital, and screening messages to arrive in one consistent place
- Keeping messages secure within your password-protected NHS App
- Allowing the surgery to send longer, clearer messages
- Reducing the significant cost of SMS messaging to the NHS
- Making use of a service most of our patients already have access to
The NHS App messaging service is:
- GDPR compliant
- Award-winning
- Certified to Information Security standards (ISO 27001/27002)
- Assessed against the NHS Cyber Assessment Framework
What do I need to do?
If you already use the NHS App and have notifications switched on
You don’t need to do anything — messages will arrive automatically.
If you don’t have the NHS App
You can download and register for it online. Registration is usually quick and does not require contacting the surgery.
Checking your notification settings
It’s important that notifications are switched on so you know when you receive a new message.
To manage notifications (see link to video below):
- Log in to the NHS App
- Select the Account icon
- Select Notifications
- Follow the link to your device settings
Please note:
- Changes can take up to 24 hours to take effect
- If you use the NHS App on more than one device, notifications must be enabled on each device