There are now more ways than ever to take control of your health and access NHS services quickly, easily, and on your terms. For example, visiting your local Pharmacy for a minor illness, using NHS 111 for urgent advice or contacting your GP surgery online.
One of the simplest ways to access essential health services is by using the NHS App.
Krishnam Panchamatla is one of the NHS’s national team of ‘App Ambassadors’, helping people in his local area to understand how to use the NHS App to save time and to access the help they need.
“I’m a Quality Assurance Manager at a GP practice in Leigh, Manchester, and I love helping people in our community to feel more confident using the NHS App. It saves so much time when you’re trying to manage your health as part of a busy life; and it’s so simple to use.
“What I like best about the App is that it puts important services at your fingertips and gives patients the opportunity to take control of their health. You can request repeat prescriptions, receive reminders, access test results and even view your GP health records – all from your phone. It’s easy, it’s quick and it means that there are lots of aspects of your health that you can manage with just a ‘tap’. I use the NHS App to check my own medical records too.
“If you don’t already have the NHS App, you can download it on your phone. You’ll be asked to set up a login, you’ll just need your NHS number, and a few personal details. Once you have the App, it’s time to discover all its helpful features.
“For example, for anyone who has an existing repeat prescription, you can request this through the NHS App – without needing to call your GP surgery – and pick up your medicines at the Pharmacy of your choice in a few days.
“It’s so convenient and it saves a trip to the surgery. You could be sitting on your sofa or on the bus and just get it done. I also encourage people to turn on notifications on the App, so that you’ll get things like reminders about appointments. You can trust that your personal health information is confidential and secure, so there’s no need to worry.
“We know that some people can be nervous about using technology – that’s what I’m here for – but it’s also great when younger relatives can help someone get familiar with using the NHS App. So many of the people I’ve supported are amazed at how easy it is to use once you get the hang of it. It really does make life feel easier.”
Tap the NHS App and take control of your health today.
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