NHS App expansion saves 1.5 million appointments
The accelerated rollout of the NHS App has saved 1.5 million appointments and helped cut waiting times for patients, according to the data published by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Through the app, users can manage appointments, view prescriptions, access their GP health record, and receive notifications.
The government has confirmed it has exceeded its first target under its Plan for Change to increase the number of hospitals allowing patients to view appointment information via the app to 85% by the end of March 2025, reaching 87%, up from 68% in July 2024.
In a press release, published on 27 April 2025, Sir Keir Starmer, prime minister, said: “NHS reform has to come through better use of tech – it’s the fuel we need to power change.
“As we deliver our Plan for Change to end hospital backlogs, I want to see more and more people having the option to use the app, so that everyone benefits from more control and choice over their treatment.”
Since July 2024, the increased use of existing app features have saved almost 5.7m hours of staff time including 1.26m clinical hours across care settings, according to the government.
Together with the 1.5m appointments avoided, the government says that the NHS App has helped save the equivalent of £622m.
Wes Streeting, health secretary, said: “By putting the latest technology into the hands of patients so they can access services quicker, we’re freeing up more time for doctors and nurses to focus on treating people and getting waiting lists down.”
Government figures show that trusts which use the app’s key features saw a three percentage point increase in the number waiting less than 18 weeks in November 2024.
This would equate to up to 211,000 more treatments meeting the 18-week target over the same time period if expanded to all hospitals across the country.
Also, almost 12m fewer paper letters have been sent by hospitals since July 2024, saving £5.2m in postage costs, and forecasts for 2025 show the use of in-app notifications for planned care will prevent the need for 15.7m SMS messages – saving the NHS a further £985,000.
In January 2025, plans to expand the use of the app were announced as part of the government’s Elective Reform Plan, including the ability for patients to choose from providers, book tests at convenient locations, and receive test results through the app before choosing the next step.
Rachel Power, chief executive at the Patients Association, said: “While this digital progress is vital and the 20% increase in hospital participation is welcome, we must also ensure no one is left behind.
“Digital access remains a barrier for many, so we welcome the initiative providing support for online health services at 1,400 libraries across England.”
Between December 2024 and February 2025, NHSE ran a ‘ping and book’ pilot, using the NHS App to invite participants to their breast screening appointments.
NHSE said that the service will be expanded to cervical screening in spring 2025 and that from early 2026 “millions of women” will be able to book breast screening appointments through the NHS App.
