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NHS App Notifications

The NHS is urging patients to switch on notifications in the NHS App to ensure they receive vital, timely, and secure updates about their health and appointments.

NHS services across the country are increasingly using the NHS App as the primary, secure way to communicate with patients, helping to ensure you don’t miss important information.

Why You Need to Turn Notifications ON

Turning on notifications for the NHS App is crucial because it ensures you are immediately alerted when a new message has been sent to your secure inbox within the App. This service is gradually replacing traditional text messages (SMS) and letters for many communications.

Without notifications enabled, you may not be instantly aware of new messages, potentially delaying your response to critical health information.

What Are These Notifications For?

Notifications alert you to new messages in your secure NHS App inbox, which may include important information such as:

  • Appointment Reminders and Invitations: Updates about appointments with your GP practice, hospital, or specialist services, including confirmations, reminders, and changes.
  • Screening Invitations: Reminders for national screening programmes (e.g., cervical, bowel, and breast cancer screening).
  • Test Results and Follow-Up Information: Responses from your GP practice or other services regarding test results or online consultation requests.
  • Vaccination Invitations: Eligibility and booking information for vaccinations, such as flu or COVID-19 jabs.
  • Messages from Your GP Surgery: Replies to your administrative queries or other important updates.

Key Benefits of Using the NHS App for Messaging

  • Security: Messages received through the NHS App are secure, meaning you can be confident that the communication is genuine and from a trusted NHS source, unlike potentially unrecognised mobile numbers used for some text messages.
  • Timeliness: Push notifications mean you are alerted as soon as an important message is ready to view.
  • Better Information: Messages in the App can be longer and contain richer content (such as helpful links) compared to short text messages.
  • Reliability: Even if you change your phone number, your health service can still contact you via the App if you have it installed.

How to Turn On Your Notifications

If you have the NHS App downloaded on your smartphone or tablet, please check your settings today:

  1. Log in to the NHS App.
  2. Select the Account icon (usually in the top corner).
  3. Look for Notifications or Account and settings, then Manage notifications.
  4. Follow the link to your device’s settings and allow notifications for the NHS App.

Note: It may take up to 24 hours for your preferences to take effect.

Please ensure your notifications are switched on today to make the most of the NHS App and stay reliably informed about your care.

For more information on the NHS App, including how to download and register, please visit the official NHS website: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app