NHS urges Brits to switch on app feature now after 16,000,000 patients miss out on care
NHS urges Brits to switch on app feature now after 16,000,000 patients miss care
Recent NHS data indicates that 16 million GP appointments were not attended in 2025, with 4.3% categorized as no-shows. This translates to an entire day of missed appointments at each GP practice in England on a monthly basis—potentially resulting in substantial financial losses if calculated.
Survey highlights common causes of missed appointments
A nationwide survey found that nearly one in four individuals missed a medical appointment due to forgetfulness or late arrival. Despite an 8.4 million rise in GP appointments arranged the previous year, the total now stands at 376 million.
NHS campaign targets appointment management
Struggling with budget constraints, funding reductions, and growing wait times, the NHS has initiated a campaign to address this avoidable problem through the NHS App. The app now sends reminders, facilitates appointment cancellations or rescheduling, and enables users to request repeat prescriptions.
“In the busy lives we all lead, it can be easy to forget an NHS appointment or need to reorganise it at the last minute. That’s why I’d encourage everyone to tap the NHS App and turn on notifications—so you can stay on top of your appointments and let us know if you need to reschedule. When you do, someone else can be seen instead, helping us continue to cut waiting times,” said Dr Zubir Ahmed, Health Innovation Minister.
“It’s fantastic to see that GPs provided more than 8 million extra appointments for their patients in 2025, and I hope this new campaign will help increase that number even more in 2026,” added Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England.
Online GP contact sees rising popularity
Recent ONS data highlights that a majority of individuals now opt for online GP contact when experiencing health concerns. Over 75.2% of adults found it easy to reach their GP practice, up from 71.6% a year ago, with over 40 million users registered on the NHS App.
As part of the “Tap the NHS App” initiative, Brits are being encouraged to activate notifications through pharmacy bags, radio channels, and social media platforms. This feature not only alerts users about upcoming appointments but also streamlines the process for adjusting schedules and managing prescriptions.
Earlier this year, an “Amazon-style” prescription system was introduced in partnership with 2,000 pharmacies across England, providing visibility into order status and collection readiness. The NHS continues to expand digital tools to enhance patient engagement and reduce avoidable delays.
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