Live implementation of prescription tracking, similar to Amazon's approach, debuts in the NHS app
The NHS App has recently introduced a new feature aimed at revolutionising the way prescriptions are managed, reducing workloads for pharmacies, and improving patient care. This innovative feature allows millions of patients to track their prescriptions and receive real-time updates, eliminating the need for barcode or paper prescriptions for collection in many cases.
Prescription Tracking and Reminders
With the new feature, patients can track the status of their prescriptions and set reminders for ordering repeat prescriptions. Currently, this feature is available to about 35% of users, with plans to expand its reach in the near future.
Streamlining Pharmacy Workloads
By enabling patients to track prescription statuses and receive notifications, pharmacies can manage their workflow more efficiently. This reduces the need for customers to call or visit pharmacies to inquire about prescription readiness, thereby decreasing workload. As a result, pharmacies experience fewer queries about prescription status, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.
Enhancing Patient Care
The new feature offers several benefits for patients. Firstly, it provides easier access to prescription information, enhancing patients' ability to manage their medication and healthcare routine. Secondly, the notification system ensures that patients are informed promptly when their prescriptions are ready, facilitating timely access to necessary medication. Lastly, the increased visibility into healthcare encourages greater patient engagement and responsibility for their health, which can lead to better health outcomes.
Currently, the NHS App has 37.4 million registered users, with an average of 11.4 million people logging in each month. The number of repeat prescriptions ordered through the NHS App has increased by 40% from 3.9 million in April 2024 to 5.5 million in April 2025. The service is expected to be made available to nearly 5,000 more pharmacies over the next 12 months, with over 1,500 high street chemists already offering the service.
For further details and comments, please direct your enquiries to Chris Whitehouse at [email protected].
[1] - NHS England Press Release, 2025 [2] - NHS Digital, 2025 [3] - NHS App User Guide, 2025 [4] - King's Fund Report, 2025
- This new feature on the NHS App, which includes prescription tracking and reminders, is a product of collaboration between healthcare and technology, aligning with the broader health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise movements.
- By integrating modern technology into the healthcare system, such as clinical trials and medical devices, the NHS App is streamlining pharmacy workloads, enabling more efficient management and increasing patient care.
- The introduction of innovative technology and digital solutions like the NHS App's prescription tracking feature has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare landscape, contributing to advancements in science and improving overall health and well-being.
