
NHS Mid and South Essex are encouraging everyone to ‘love their NHS App’ this February.
The NHS App provides a growing number of online services. The messaging function is an essential part of the functionality, offering a simple and secure way to stay up-to-date with your care. Local NHS bosses are advising that if residents across mid and south Essex download the NHS App and switch on their messaging functionality, this could save the local NHS over half a million pounds each year.
Other features are the quick and easy access to ordering repeat prescriptions, booking and cancelling appointments, viewing test results, accessing health records and a link to 111 non-urgent help and advice.
This February we’re asking the people of mid and south Essex to do their bit for the NHS. Many of us say we ‘love our NHS’, so this Valentine’s, and throughout February, we’re encouraging everyone to download and use the app to help us save vital funds, which can be used to support other services.
William Guy, Director of Primary Care at NHS Mid and South Essex ICB
The NHS App has been a game changer – I am able to seek advice via the App. Sometimes this has prompted a doctor’s appointment, or a call back from the surgery. I am no longer hanging on the phone. I have been able to get a quick response from a professional, whether that’s advice, a prescription or appointment. It’s really taken the stress away from seeking help!
Katy, local resident from Chelmsford
Current data shows that 58.6%¹ of the population in mid and south Essex have downloaded the NHS App. Billericay has the most NHS App users (66.5%), followed by Danbury and Little Waltham (65.7%) and Brentwood (64.4%). Whereas Tilbury and Chadwell have the lowest number of NHS App users (50.1%) followed by Southend, South Woodham Ferrers and Dengie (51.2%).
The NHS App is available to download free for use on a phone, tablet or PC. The functions on the NHS App will depend on what your GP surgery has ‘switched on’, which can change over time. Essex Libraries are running a series of sessions for people to learn how to download and use the NHS App, to discover more: www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/support/your-health-self-care/nhs-app.
For further information, help and advice about how to download and use the NHS App, visit: www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/getcarequicker.