NHS app will now notify you when prescriptions are ready for collection

Millions of NHS app users will now get phone and smartwatch alerts when their prescriptions are ready.

The update will help tackle unnecessary calls or premature trips to the chemist to pick up medication, NHS England said.

But users will need to enable push alerts on the app to get the notifications.

Health innovation minister James Frith said: 'This is a practical example of how digital technology can make a difference to people's everyday experience of the NHS, while also helping to reduce unnecessary calls and free up valuable time for pharmacy staff to focus on supporting patients.

'Anyone that uses the NHS app should switch on notifications so they can benefit from this brilliant new service.'

It will be rolled out at nearly 2,500 chemists across England – including every Asda and Boots pharmacy shop.

Rob Thompson, chief digital, data and technology officer at NHS England, said: 'The new prescription ready alerts are the latest step in the NHS giving people more control over how they manage their healthcare, as well as helping to reduce admin for staff.

'Thousands of pharmacies are already live with the service, so I'd encourage all NHS app users to enable notifications in the app so they can get the full benefit.'

This latest feature follows the success of the NHS app's 'Amazon-style' prescription tracker that launched last May, which lets patients check on the live status of their medication, much like monitoring the progress of a parcel.

Officials said this has already been used by almost 2.9million people. Around one in three pharmacies in England is now offering the tracking service.

Mr Thompson added: 'The NHS app's prescription tracking feature has been incredibly popular since we launched it last year, and we're now making it even easier to find out when your prescription is ready.

'Millions of app users will be able to get near real-time alerts on their smartwatches or mobiles, avoiding the need to regularly check the app or make unnecessary trips or calls to their pharmacy.'

Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, also welcomed the new feature, saying: 'Making it easier for patients to know when their prescription is ready can save time and reduce unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.

'It's something many people have been asking for, and alongside other non-digital ways of accessing information and support, can help make it easier for patients to get the information they need in a way that works for them.'