NHS App Saves 1.5 Million Appointments and Cuts Wait Times

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The NHS app has saved 1.5 million hospital appointments from cancellation, helping to reduce waiting times for elective surgery and other treatments, NHS England data reveals.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the government’s accelerated rollout, saying it is dragging the NHS “out of the dark ages.” He said, “NHS reform has to come through better use of tech, it’s the fuel we need to power change.”

Since last July, the app has saved nearly 5.7 million staff hours and £622 million by cutting missed appointments, according to NHS England.

The shift to digital services has also cut 12 million paper letters sent to patients, saving £5.2 million in postage.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said, “By putting the latest technology into the hands of patients so they can access services quicker, we’re freeing up more time for doctors and nurses to focus on treating people and getting waiting lists down.”

The app allows patients to manage appointments, view prescriptions, and access health records with ease.

Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS national clinical transformation director, said, “The NHS App is leading the way in switching from analogue to digital services, empowering over 37 million users with faster access to information and slashing waiting times.”

Saffron Cordery of NHS Providers added, “Any innovations that give patients more control over their care, reduce the risk of missed appointments and free up valuable staff time are a step in the right direction.”

To help those less comfortable with technology, support is now offered at 1,400 libraries across England.

Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said, “Digital access remains a barrier for many, so we welcome the initiative providing support for online health services.”

The government plans further app upgrades, including booking tests at local centres and quicker access to results.

This digital drive is part of the wider Plan for Change, which has already delivered three million extra appointments ahead of schedule and reduced waiting lists for six months straight.

The NHS app’s expansion is transforming patient care, offering greater choice and flexibility while easing the strain on health services.