NHS England joins forces with libraries to promote the use of the NHS App
Starting in October 2024, NHS England is collaborating with the National Health Literacy Partnership to enhance access to online health services through public libraries. The initiative aims to empower individuals to better understand and manage their health using the NHS App and NHS.UK.
John Quinn, chief information officer at NHSE, highlighted the importance of utilizing public libraries as a resource to reach a wider audience. With over 34 million registered users on the NHS App, the goal is to ensure inclusivity in accessing healthcare information.
Louise Goswami, chief knowledge officer for NHSE, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with libraries, emphasizing the positive outcomes observed from previous health literacy initiatives. As work begins in select libraries across England, the focus is on assisting individuals in familiarizing themselves with the NHS App.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock underscored the significant role of the NHS App in improving healthcare accessibility and management. The app has seen widespread usage, with millions of individuals, including seniors, benefitting from its features such as ordering prescriptions and accessing health information.
A recent report from The Digital Coalition indicated strong user engagement with the NHS App, with a desire for expanded functionalities like accessing test results and personal health records. This collaborative effort between NHS England and libraries aims to empower individuals to take control of their health through digital resources.
