Enabling people to access health care services with the NHS App

Working alongside a local doctor’s surgery, Learn Devon supported over 80 people as they learnt how to get the most out of the NHS App.

The NHS App provides a simple way to access a range of NHS services online and from home. The App enables users to manage appointments, order prescriptions, view health records and much more. However, for some people, accessing the App can be a challenging experience especially if they are not confident in using computers and technology.

After working with NHS staff at the Estover Health Centre, Learn Devon planned a morning event at the Elm Community Centre, with the aim of providing an opportunity for members of the local community to drop-in and get help with the NHS App.

To promote engagement, the Health Centre sent a message to all its registered users inviting them to attend the free event. Learn Devon arranged for a number of tutors to be on standby throughout the morning, with each tutor focusing on a different aspect of the NHS App. Staff from the Estover Health Centre were also available to answer questions and talk to the visitors.

Throughout the morning, Learn Devon’s tutors supported visitors as they used the App – often for the first time. Visitors we shown how to download the App, navigate its features and how to verify their profiles. Alongside this, visitors were also taught the importance of basic online safety.

Over the course of the event, a total of 81 learners received support – including 11 people who walked in without having booked. Many of the visitors shared how they had benefited from the event.

  For many, using the online App was a concern; Silvia, like many others, appreciated the direct help from the tutors: ‘So glad that I have come here because I’m really not good with technology but now I feel more confident and the staff are lovely and helpful.’

As a first-time user, Peter was now able to order through the App: ‘I’d not used the NHS App before however, now I know how to order my prescriptions.’

Having used the App in the past, Maria appreciated having a reminder on how to use it:  ‘I used to use the NHS App to order my prescriptions however, after the App changed and I didn’t know how to use it. After today’s session, I can now order my prescriptions and complete a clinic without having to go through a nurse.’

For more information about Learn Devon’s courses, please see our full programme.