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8 months ago
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Image source, Getty Images
The number of repeat prescriptions ordered digitally has grown by more than 45% in the past year
New digital prescriptions mean NHS App users in England can now collect medication from a pharmacy without having to visit a GP or health centre.
They can already request repeat prescriptions on the app - and every digital order fulfilled will save the GP three minutes, NHS Digital says.
It comes after a trial last year, involving more than a million users.
The app will also show average local hospital waiting times for elective treatment, such as hip replacements.
The number of repeat prescriptions ordered digitally has grown by more than 45% in the past year, with an average 3.1 million requested each month.
Now in its sixth year, the NHS App also allows its more than 33 million registered users - two-thirds pensioners - to:
- view their health record from their GP
- manage hospital appointments
- nominate their preferred pharmacy
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the update would "ease pressures on our hardworking pharmacists and GPs - freeing up valuable time for patients and helping to cut waiting lists".
