Join the six in 10 people using the NHS App to manage their health
Recent figures have shown that 61% of people registered to a GP surgery in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire have downloaded the NHS App, with 4,500 people downloading and registering themselves with the app in October alone.
However, there are still pockets of the local area where uptake of the app remains low – including Knowle in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset and Yate in South Gloucestershire.
Dr Andrew Appleton, local GP and Digital Health Consultant at One Care, the GP federation that represents and supports practices in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said:
"There are many people in our communities who would benefit from using the NHS app to manage their health. That's why we're launching a local campaign to encourage as many people as possible to download the app and turn on notifications.
"The NHS App is a simple and secure way for people to access a wide range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet – including ordering repeat prescriptions, checking health records and receiving updates messages and updates from your GP.
"There are new features being regularly developed for the app to help you access convenient and high-quality care when you need it.
"I'd especially urge everyone to turn notifications on to get the most out of the app. This enables you to get messages from your GP or other trusted healthcare providers without having to repeatedly check the app for updates."
As well as ordering repeat prescriptions and checking health records, you can also use the NHS App to book and manage vaccinations and use NHS 111 online to answer questions and be guided to the right care for your needs.
The NHS app can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet for free from the Apple Store or Google Play.
There are volunteer NHS App ambassadors across the area as well as organisations like North Somerset Training, Caffi Health and The Care Forum who are able to provide support to show people how to use and make the most of the NHS App.
Dr Appleton added:
"We know digital access isn't for everyone, that's why we're working with local organisations to offer free support to people who want to download the app but need a helping hand to teach them how to us it. We want to help make the NHS App accessible for as many people as possible."
Tracy from North Somerset attended a training session run by North Somerset Training in Weston-super-Mare and commented:
"I went to the North Somerset Training Hub. A very patient lady showed me how to download the NHS App. Then we set up it together, it was not as difficult as I thought would be. I am now using the app on my phone and found it really easy to do. I needed the app to keep up with my medical care from the hospital after I just finished a cancer treatment. It's easy to access my records, my tests results, my appointments and my medication. It's a very useful and easily accessible App."
If you live in North Somerset, you can reach out for NHS App support through North Somerset Training at 31 Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1QZ, contacting 07497105971 on Mondays between 9.30am and 3pm to book.
If you live in Bristol, you can contact C'affi Health by phone at 0117 9247442 or email at info@caafihealth.com or visit one of their drop-in clinics:
- - 10 January, 9am to 5pm - Baraka Mall, 48 Stapleton Road, BS5 0RA
- - 15 January, 10am to 2pm - Stapleton Baptish Church, broom Hill Road, BS16 1DN
- - 24 January, 9am to 5pm - Baraka Mall, 48 Stapleton Road, BS5 0RA
- - 30 January, 11am to 3pm - Women’s Union Trinity Centre, BS2 0NW
If you live in South Gloucestershire, you can access support by contacting WellAware by phone on 0808 808 5252 (freephone), email at info@wellaware.org.uk or by using the contact us form on their website wellaware.org.uk/contact-us/.
