NHS App Ambassador's November Newsletter

NHS App Ambassadors Newsletter 

Get the latest NHS App redesign news and discover how ambassadors are collaborating with other organisations to help patient’s use the NHS App.

The NHS App is being redesigned to make it simpler for patients to find and access services

In the next few weeks, patients will see an updated home page, simpler structure, and easier-to-understand language within the NHS App. This more intuitive design will make it easier for patients to use, giving them greater control of their healthcare. 

Some services have moved within the NHS App, but all the services patients need are still available. 

Check the NHS App ambassador's Teams channel this week to find out more or come along to next week’s NHS App Ambassador webinar!

You can contact your PCN managers to find local Social Prescribers who can support your patients with the NHS App. Your ICB will also have their own Digital Access Lead, or someone with a similar job title around Digital Inclusion, who can help you connect with other organisations to direct patients to for support.

Marta Fischer, Digital Access Lead in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB, has recently started a partnership with her local PCN Social Prescribers. Together, they’ve opened five Digital Cafes in local libraries to support patients with the NHS App.

After advertising on community boards and Twitter, they’ve hosted their first two Cafés, which received great feedback. Pictured is Marta helping the Cafe’s first patient to use the app on her tablet.

If you would like more about Marta’s work and how you could replicate it locally, contact her at marta.fischer2@nhs.net.

The NHS App team have added new developments to the NHS App roadmap that will help them to achieve their objectives over the next year.

You can see these objectives, as well as what has recently been updated in the NHS App, what the team are working on now and what they plan to do next here: Future developments for the NHS App - NHS Digital

How do you promote the NHS App in your area?

As an ICB, we work closely with our Clinical System Team to support GP practices in our ICS and promote the uptake of the NHS App. Practices can use our self-serve toolkit to host an NHS App event or fill in an expression of interest form to request support.

When we co-host an event with a practice, we invite partners who share our aim to empower all patients to manage their health using digital tools. We work with the Norfolk County Council Library Information and Services team’s Digital Health hub, and Healthwatch Norfolk.

At events, every team member is usually very busy speaking to patients about the benefits of the NHS App and helping them download and set up an access. We also make patients aware of local services, such as the library, which can help them further if with the NHS App.

How do you promote the NHS App to colleagues?

I focus on the app’s benefits to encourage practices to enable its features, especially how it reduces pressure on the practice and saves administration time. ‘Do you use the NHS App?’ has become a part of my routine conversations when I meet with colleagues within or outside our ICB!

What NHS App features do you find most beneficial?

I find the repeat prescriptions and health records features most beneficial. I can order a prescription whenever I remember I need to - even in the middle of the night. I share this testimony with patients and colleagues. Many don’t realise the app really can be used anytime and anywhere!

At one of our NHS App events, a patient told me how he became unwell while on holiday abroad. He was sent to a foreign hospital, where all he had to do was show his records on the NHS App - which luckily were enabled. In a stressful and disorienting time, he didn’t have to keep repeating his story, second guess himself or rely on memory to know which medications he had. He felt the NHS App had saved his life!

What do you do when someone is hesitant to use the NHS App?

I try to understand why they’re unsure of the app and explain its benefits with my testimonials.  When a friend’s phone model was not compatible with the app, I explained how all the same services could be used online through the website.  Some people prefer using a desktop version and having a bigger screen.

I also let them know about the local services available to help them, such as their local library, where they can book an appointment for a training session.

Do you have any tips for people running events?

We use our NHS App event checklist to make sure everything will run smoothly. 

Consider health inequality and digital inclusion aspects to ensure that vulnerable patients are supported and their needs are addressed. For instance, provide an Easy Read Guide, information about Assistive Technology support and signpost to local services for further support and learning.

Don’t be afraid to get creative when promoting the NHS App! Events don’t have to be extravagant or expensive to work.

Do you have any other tips for NHS App ambassadors?

Your listening skills are important to find out the underlying reasons someone is reluctant to use the NHS App.

Sustain momentum and make sure to monitor the dashboard to see the impact your work is having.

Remember that in helping people to use the app, you’re playing a part in helping the whole NHS!

Share your organisation's work through the NHS App Ambassadors Teams channel! It really inspires others.