Key Takeaways
- Proxy access for families is being piloted on the NHS App, enabling parents and carers to manage their loved ones’ health online.
- Almost 12,000 people have utilized this feature, which aims for a wider rollout in 2026.
- The NHS App is evolving into a comprehensive platform for healthcare management, supporting the government’s long-term health strategy.
New Feature for Proxy Access on NHS App
The NHS App is testing a new feature that allows parents and carers to manage the health of their loved ones through proxy access. This initiative, developed by NHS England, eliminates the need for in-person visits to GP practices for setting up proxy access, significantly reducing administrative burdens for practices and improving patient care.
To date, nearly 12,000 users have engaged with the feature across 68 GP practices, and plans are in motion to launch it more broadly by 2026. Dr. Vin Diwakar, clinical transformation director at NHS England, highlights that this capability simplifies health management for families and enhances operational efficiency for GP offices.
Previously, the process for parents and carers involved filling out paperwork at GP offices, typically taking around half an hour. The new application process through the NHS App allows those registered at the same GP practice to submit their information digitally. After necessary verification checks via NHS systems and the GP practice, access is granted.
Once set up, users can seamlessly switch between their profiles and those of their relatives, enabling actions like booking appointments for children or ordering repeat prescriptions for elderly family members. Will Palmer, a digital community connector at Frome Medical Practice, describes the feature as a “gamechanger,” expressing relief from patients who can now easily manage health tasks for their loved ones.
The service primarily benefits parents managing their children’s healthcare but is also vital for those who may struggle with technology due to device limitations, lack of data, or language barriers. Current statistics reveal that the NHS App boasts 38.5 million registered users, with an impressive average of over 56.5 million monthly logins for healthcare management.
According to the government’s 10-year health plan outlined on July 3, 2025, the NHS App will serve as the “front door” to the NHS. Future developments include an AI companion, mental health support, and features for patients to search for healthcare provider data, all aimed at enhancing user experience and accessibility in healthcare management.
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