Millions of people across England can now receive instant notifications on their smartphones and smartwatches when their prescription is ready to collect, as the NHS expands its digital prescription services.
The latest enhancement to the NHS App builds on the success of its prescription tracking feature, which was introduced last year and has already been used by nearly 2.9 million people. The tracking service enables patients to monitor the progress of their prescriptions in a similar way to parcel delivery updates, helping them avoid unnecessary journeys or calls to their local pharmacy.
Under the new rollout, NHS App users can opt in to receive push notifications informing them when prescribed medication is ready for collection. The service is now available at almost 2,500 pharmacies across England, including every Boots and ASDA pharmacy.
To receive notifications, users must enable push alerts within the NHS App. Once activated, patients can view real-time updates and prescription status information directly through the app.
The prescription tracking feature is continuing to gain momentum across the pharmacy sector. More than 3,200 pharmacies, representing around one-third of all pharmacies in England, now offer the service. Since launching last year, the feature has been used more than nine million times.
Rob Thompson, Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer at NHS England, said:
“The NHS App’s prescription tracking feature has been incredibly popular since we launched it last year, and we’re now making it even easier to find out when your prescription is ready.
“Millions of app users will be able to get near real-time alerts on their smartwatches or mobiles, avoiding the need to regularly check the app or make unnecessary trips or calls to their pharmacy.
“The new prescription ready alerts are the latest step in the NHS giving people more control over how they manage their healthcare as well as helping to reduce admin for staff.
“Thousands of pharmacies are already live with the service, so I’d encourage all NHS App users to enable notifications in the app so they can get the full benefit.”
The latest development forms part of the NHS's wider digital transformation programme, designed to improve patient experience while reducing administrative pressures on healthcare providers and pharmacy teams.
The NHS App now has more than 39 million registered users and offers access to a growing range of digital healthcare services, including ordering repeat prescriptions, managing hospital appointments, and viewing GP health records.
For patients who use participating pharmacies, prescription updates can now be tracked directly through the app. Status notifications include whether medicines are "ready to collect" or have been "dispatched by pharmacy" for delivery, providing greater visibility and convenience throughout the prescribing process.
The expansion of prescription tracking and notification services is expected to support both patient engagement and operational efficiency, reducing avoidable telephone enquiries and helping pharmacies better manage demand.
Image credit: iStock
