Over 2.7million people in England now use the NHS app to get their prescriptions

MORE than 2.7million people in England now use the NHS app to get their prescriptions.

The health service has been told it must modernise or die, with better use of tech a top priority.

Since January patients have been able to check the progress of their scripts in the app and collect them with a barcode instead of a note from a GP.

It adds to the ability to order repeat prescriptions on their phones.

More than 34m people have downloaded the app – about three quarters of adults – and it dispenses over three million prescriptions per month.

Patients can also manage their hospital appointments and check local waiting times.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “We are continuing to transform the way patients can access services across the NHS, including by investing in the latest technology and embracing the benefits of AI.”

In January, Vin Diwakar, national director for transformation at NHS England said: “The NHS App is transforming the way people manage their healthcare, freeing up valuable time for healthcare professionals.

“The prescription service is the latest in a number of services we’re adding to the NHS App to provide better care for patients. 

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t used the NHS App for a while, or who has never downloaded it, to tap the app and see what it has to offer.”

Joe Harrison, national director of mobile-first at NHS England, added: “The NHS App is helping to support our frontline staff, freeing up time to treat more patients and enabling patients to get more involved in their care.

“Millions of people are already using the app to order repeat prescriptions, and they’ll now also be able to view and manage their prescriptions using the new service in the app.”