Residents can learn now to use the NHS App by popping into a session at their local library.
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet, including prescriptions, appointments and viewing your GP health record.
Portsmouth Libraries will be hosting sessions throughout the year in partnership with local GP practices. Having staff from their GP practice present will mean patients can get full access on the NHS App, there and then, including being able to access their GP health record. HIVE Portsmouth’s Digital Champions, who are volunteers willing to share basic IT skills with their community, will also be on-hand to provide support at the sessions.
In January sessions are being held at:
- Southsea Library on Tuesday 14 January from 2pm – 4.30pm (particularly aimed at patients of Trafalgar Medical Group Practice and Craneswater Group Practice).
- Paulsgrove Library on Wednesday 15 January from 1.30pm – 4.30pm (particularly aimed at patients of Portsdown Group Practice and The Drayton Surgery).
Residents are asked to bring their smartphone or tablet along with them, and photo ID if they have it.
Portsea resident Mary, who is a patient with Island City Practice, is already using the NHS app. She said: “I use it to order my prescription, I find it quicker on the NHS App than phoning up. If I’ve done ordered it in the morning, often it’s ready to collect by the afternoon. I’ve been really impressed.”
More than 35 million people have now registered for the NHS App since its launch in December 2018. New and innovative features continue to be rolled out onto the NHS App to help patients access convenient and high-quality care when and where they need it.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, at Portsmouth City Council, said: “This is a great partnership between our libraries, GP practices and HIVE Portsmouth to support residents to use NHS online services. We recognise that some residents need some digital support and hope they find these free sessions friendly, accessible and useful.”
Future drop-in sessions will be promoted on the Portsmouth libraries events webpage or you can call Portsmouth libraries on 023 9268 8057.