75% of Derby and Derbyshire residents now signed up to the NHS App

Nearly three-quarters of people in Derby and Derbyshire are now registered to use the NHS App, following a surge in sign-ups over the last two years.

In total, 748,597 people aged 13 and over registered with a Derby and Derbyshire GP practice are signed up to the app, with an average of 260,000 users each month. And 47% of users now have notifications switched on for their app, giving them important real-time updates for appointment reminders, repeat prescriptions, and test results.

The NHS App makes it easier for people to manage their healthcare at the touch of a button, using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

It has recently been updated to make it easier to use and now includes a new home screen where patients can instantly get to the information they need about prescriptions, appointments, test results, vaccinations, health conditions and other health-related documents.

An independent Healthwatch survey in Derby and Derbyshire in 2025 found that nearly 90% of people had heard of the app, and that 73% of users were satisfied or very satisfied with it.

The role of the local voluntary sector has been a major contributor to the high uptake of the app in the area. With financial support from the ICB and local authority, local groups have been working in their communities to improve digital skills and awareness across a range of areas such as online banking and applying for jobs, as well as managing their health. 

Dawn Atkinson, Programme Director for the ICS Digital Programme, said: “The NHS App is becoming increasingly important as a digital front door to health services. It allows people to instantly get advice, manage appointments, order repeat prescriptions and interact with a range of healthcare professionals to make healthcare more convenient and more personalised.

“Not only does the App provide a convenient way for people to interact with NHS services, it also helps free up phone lines for people who prefer more traditional ways of contacting their GP or other health services, including our local hospitals.

“To have almost three-quarters of our local population registered to use the app is a significant milestone and I’d encourage those people who haven’t used the app in a while to check out the new improved format and extra features, which continue to be added to.”

Patients in Derby and Derbyshire can see a range of information from their GP on the App, as well as appointments and results from many departments within Chesterfield Royal Hospital and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.  Soon, appointments from Derbyshire Community Health Services and Derbyshire Healthcare FT, will be available on the App too.