Key Takeaways
- London GP patients can now create and manage their Universal Care Plan (UCP) through the NHS App.
- The UCP enhances patient control over health preferences and enables better collaboration among healthcare professionals.
- Future updates will introduce features like proxy access for caregivers and new clinical management options.
New Universal Care Plan Enhances Patient Control in London
All patients registered with London GP practices can now create their Universal Care Plans (UCP) directly through the NHS App. This digital record allows patients to document their care preferences, wishes, and vital information accessible by authorized health and care professionals. Since the launch in January 2024, patients have been able to view their UCP via the NHS App, marking a significant development in patient empowerment.
As of May 13, 2026, millions of Londoners gained unprecedented control over their health decisions, enhancing both patient choice and personalized care across the city. The recent app update, developed by the software provider Better in collaboration with OneLondon, has introduced new clinical sections, enabling patients to see detailed notes from healthcare providers about their conditions. This update aims to bolster transparency and encourage patient engagement in their healthcare journey.
Tomas Ince, senior clinical transformation manager at OneLondon, emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that the UCP was co-designed with patients and clinicians to capture essential personal health information, which often includes complex needs. By providing a comprehensive view of a patient’s health beyond mere diagnoses, the UCP allows for a more personalized approach to care.
The updated features of the Norwegian Care Plan also reduce the repetition of health information required of patients, as authorized professionals can now freely access the consolidated care plans. Patients can revise their non-clinical information reducing administrative burdens and enhancing service coordination.
According to Ian Bennett, a senior product specialist at Better, enabling patients to create their own UCP within the NHS App is pivotal for creating a more personalized health system. He stated, “The Universal Care Plan ensures that patients’ wishes and preferences are available to the right clinicians at the right time.”
The UCP adheres to the NHS App design system, ensuring compatibility with screen readers and keyboard navigation. Currently, the app supports over 97,000 active care plans, with around 30,000 views each month.
Future updates will include features such as proxy access for linked individuals like parents and caregivers, alongside integration with NHS Notify. Additional enhancements will target mental health crisis management, catheter care, and complex assessments for geriatric patients, further advancing patient care and support throughout London.
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