Sir Keir Starmer has hailed the success of reforms to the NHS app, claiming it is helping to lead the health service out of the “dark ages” and into a new digital era.
According to new analysis from NHS England, improvements to the app have resulted in 1.5 million fewer missed appointments, helping to cut waiting times for elective surgeries and other vital treatments.
The Prime Minister said his Government’s decision to accelerate the rollout of the app was delivering real change and helping patients gain greater control over their healthcare.
Earlier this year, ministers unveiled an ambitious elective reform plan aimed at delivering an additional two million appointments by the end of the year. The initiative focuses on giving people more flexibility in how, where, and when they access the care they need.
Data collected from the NHS app shows that since the Government took office last July, 1.5 million appointments have been saved from cancellation. This is also estimated to have saved almost 5.7 million hours of staff time, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
In addition, the drive towards a more digital service has led to 12 million fewer paper letters being sent out to patients, resulting in £5.2 million saved on postage costs alone. In total, the reforms are believed to have saved the NHS around £622 million.
Speaking ahead of promoting the expansion of the app on Monday, Sir Keir said:
“Our NHS has been stuck in the dark ages, held back by outdated systems where patients struggled for appointments and had little access to their own healthcare data.
“We saw during the pandemic just how transformative apps can be in providing everyday access to health services. There’s no excuse for the lack of digital progress we’ve inherited. NHS reform must come through better use of technology – it’s the fuel we need to power meaningful change.
“As we implement our Plan for Change to tackle hospital backlogs, I want to see more people given the option to use the NHS app, putting more control and choice into the hands of patients.”
Ministers have already surpassed their targets for expanding access to appointment information via the app. While they had aimed to reach 85% of hospitals by the end of March, they have achieved 87%, up from 68% last July.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“By putting the latest technology directly into patients’ hands, we’re making it easier for them to access services quickly. This in turn frees up precious time for doctors and nurses to focus on treating people and reducing waiting lists.
“This Government is doing things differently. Every missed appointment prevented and every hour of staff time saved means another patient receiving the care they need. We are driving a digital NHS revolution through our Plan for Change.”
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The rollout of the app has been widely welcomed by healthcare professionals and patient groups.
Dr John Dean, clinical vice president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:
“A focus on building functionality in the NHS app to support patients in managing their own healthcare will lead to better, more connected digital systems. These systems will work more effectively for both staff and patients, freeing up time and increasing productivity.”
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, also praised the developments, saying:
“It’s very encouraging to see how the NHS app is giving patients greater power over their healthcare.”
However, she also issued a note of caution, adding:
“While this digital progress is vital and the 20% increase in hospital participation is welcome, we must ensure that no one is left behind.
“Digital access remains a barrier for many, which is why we welcome the initiative providing support for online health services in 1,400 libraries across England. Practical support of this kind must remain a key priority as services continue to modernise.”
