Vocal Voices

Very soon a patient's appointments, health screenings and test results will be received via the NHS app on their phones or tablets.

Not to me they won't. I will not have the insecure NHS app, through which all my medical records can be accessed, on any mobile device. I do not mind messages, phone calls or emails, but a two-way app on a not-so smatrtphone? No thanks.

Also, what about those who do not have smartphones? How will they be contacted?

And get this from Minister Streeting:

"The NHS app actually has more subscribers than Netflix. It would be a really wonderful thing if using the NHS app felt - if not as joyful - almost as joyful as using Netflix."

Honestly, Wes, I can think of few things less joyful than Netflix.

Yes, my Dad’s being pushed to use it. He’s 92 and although he has a smart phone he’s not good with using it. The surgery told him to go in and they’ll show him how to use it. Good luck with that, we’ve been trying to teach him to text for over 20 years.
I’ve told him to tell them that he hasn’t got a smart phone.

I did download the app back in 2018 or so. I could never get it to work. Every time I tried to arrange an appointment on it, it always said nothing was available for a minimum of 6 months.
I gave up on it. Eventually it started causing a problem with my smartphone because our phone became too old to take the regular software updates from it and started complaining about it.
I eventually (after a struggle) managed to delete the bleddy thing.

I am supposed to have regular diabetic eye checks. They used to give you a specific, local appointment, date and time, in the annual letter. Then you had to start phone them to arrange an appointment; I tried this once and the only place they could accommodate me was 20 miles away in Sherborne. You're not allowed to drive after the drops, so that was a non-starter. Now, the only way you can arrange an appointment. since the NHS privatised the service, is online. I can't be bothered battling with it any more, TBH.

Similarly, monthly repeat prescriptions. After no end of trouble trying to order them online, back in 2022 we reverted to the good old-fashioned paperwork model - stick a chit in the box on the outside wall of the surgery, give it 10 days, then visit the pharmacy - which works pretty much seamlessly.

As for test results, as far I'm concerned, if they have an issue, they can phone or text me. If they don't, I assume everything's in order.

Wes Streeting can stick his app up his Netflix box. I would rather eat old socks than get involved with it again.

I find it really convenient, I use it to order my meds, I get reminders for appointments and my recent blood test results were all on there really quickly! The results were all there, each one very clearly explained, which beat the usual breezy " All normal! " or whatever from the receptionist when you rang for them into a cocked hat

I do however think it's wrong to insist people use them, as it's discriminatory!

JoM wrote:I’ve told him to tell them that he hasn’t got a smart phone.

Ridiculous to expect someone of your dad's age to use it, Jo! I think your suggestion is very wise

I order meds, get appointment reminders and test results on my home computer as I am registered with my GP surgery. That system (System Online) also pushes reminders and results to "messages" on my phone which all mobiles have... I DO NOT need the NHS app.

Also as the computer never leaves home it is a system about as secure as most of us can get... mobiles are anything but.

Jo, if you have an old brick 'dumb' phone that will still fire up then take the SIM from your dad's smartphone and put it in the brick then take it to the surgery and ask them if they can upload the app for your dad to use... Should give you a bit of a laugh.

I do this as well Frank. I can order a prescription and keep track of it through to the pharmacy, All my appointments with the GP are recorded and I can read through what was discussed. Likewise my test results are available to view. I find it useful.

Ah, my surgery doesn't do this, we still ring up or call in to make appointments, but it sounds a good idea as an alternative to the app.

It is the NHS App Kaz. I will put the link on for you to look at. You may find it useful or you may not wish to use it.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

My surgery tried to get me to register and use an app. I told them that I would needf someone sat at the side of me to show me what to do each time.
That stopped them pestering me.
I can order my repeatprescriptions on line. Within two days I can pick them up at the designated pharmacy.

I have annual eye tests and foot checks as I am diabetic. Also have an annual check with a nurse to make sure my prescriptions are working. This includes a blood test.

I cannot fault my surgery as they have checked me for bowel cancer and understand I only go if I have a problem.