Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
The messaging feature in the NHS App is a convenient and secure way to receive appointment reminders and other messages that you might usually get a different way. For example, through SMS text messages or letters.
Some GP surgeries are now using the app to send messages, as part of an NHS trial to check if patients find this useful.
You can take part in this trial if your GP surgery is taking part, and you have:
- downloaded and set up the NHS App
- fully proved who you are to get full access
- turned on notifications so we can tell you about new messages on your device
The care you get from your GP surgery or the NHS will not be affected.
How to take part
If you already have the NHS App
If your registered GP surgery is taking part, and you already have full access and notifications turned on, you will automatically be included in this trial. You do not need to do anything extra.
If you do not yet have the NHS App
You can download it and set it up to take part.
Messages from your GP surgery in the NHS App
You will only get messages during the trial if your GP surgery needs to send you a message.
If you do not read a message sent using the NHS App, or if the message they need to send you is urgent, your GP surgery will contact you in the same way they do now. This will make sure you do not miss any messages by being included in the trial.
Tell us what you think
If you're included in the trial you'll get a message in the NHS App inviting you to take a survey. This will ask you to:
- tell us what you think about the trial
- choose if you would like to take part in further research
You do not have to do this, and the care you get will not be affected by your choice, but your feedback helps us improve the NHS for everyone.
About the NHS App
To use the NHS App you must be aged 13 and over and registered with a GP surgery in England. Find out more about who can use the NHS App.