In a major drive to enhance convenience and efficiency, millions of patients are now able to benefit from GP registrations through the NHS App.
This initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and free up valuable staff time.
Recent data reveals that the number of GP practices offering online registration has more than doubled in the past year. Over 6,150 practices now support registration through the NHS App, NHS.uk, or surgery websites. This means that nearly all GP practices in England (98.4%) now offer online registration, making it easier than ever for patients to sign up or switch GP surgeries.
Since the online system's launch in November 2022, more than 3.8 million patients have used it, with nearly 1.7 million registrations in the last six months alone. This move is part of several new features being rolled out on the NHS App to help patients access care when and where they need it, while also driving significant efficiencies for the health service by saving millions of hours of administrative time for GP practices.
New NHS data shows that these innovations have enabled patients to order around 4.6 million repeat prescriptions and access over 6 million test results directly through the app each month last year, freeing up an estimated 2.6 million practice hours.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s National Director of Primary Care and Community Services, said:
“It is fantastic that almost all GP practices are now offering online registration making it easier than ever before for people to sign up to a GP or to switch at a time which is convenient for them.
“With the online service, people can see what is available to them and complete registration in a few simple steps from any location.
“So if you have been putting off registering for a new GP practice, please check the NHS App or website for options local to you – it’s never been simpler to do and you never know when you will need to book an appointment.”
The NHS advises people to continue seeking care when needed over the Easter bank holiday weekend through local pharmacies, NHS111 online, the NHS App, and in emergencies through A&E or by calling 999.
Patients wishing to register with a GP practice no longer need to visit the practice in person. Instead, they can complete registration at any time that suits them with just a few clicks. However, paper forms are still available at local GP practices for those who prefer. The service includes many time-saving features, such as checking if patients are in the catchment area for the practice, and does not require ID, an NHS number, or proof of address to register. Additionally, translation tools are available to make the service more accessible for those whose first language is not English.
Image credit: iStock
