NHS adds digital prescriptions to app after successful trial

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.

The usual paper slip given by doctors has been replaced by an in-app barcode, which can be scanned at any pharmacy.

Users 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.

Patients can use the app to check what medicines they have been prescribed, and when.

Anyone who has a nominated pharmacy can continue to collect medication without a paper prescription or barcode, as the details are sent to their pharmacy electronically.

The app also shows average local hospital waiting times for elective treatment, such as hip replacements.

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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".