A new NHS app, which will be available free to patients in England from December 2018, will make it quicker and easier to access health services, it is claimed.

The new NHS app will give patients safe and secure access to their GP record. They will be able to use it to:

• Make GP appointments
• Order repeat prescriptions
• Manage long-term conditions
• Access 111 online for urgent medical queries.

Patients will also be able to use the app to state their preferences relating to:

• Data-sharing
• Organ donation
• End-of-life care.

The app has been developed by NHS Digital and NHS England. It will be available through the App Store or Google Play and once downloaded users can sign up for an NHS account.

NHS Digital is also developing an NHS Apps Library and putting free NHS wifi in GP surgeries and hospitals.