More than two million people living in the Derby and Derbyshire ICB, Lincolnshire ICB and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB cluster area are now registered to use the NHS App, following a surge in sign-ups over the last two years.
Latest figures show 2,097, 882 residents (people aged 13 and over and registered with GP practices in the area) have signed-up to the app, accounting for over 72% of the population.
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.
In the recent GP patient survey, around half those surveyed in the cluster area said that they found the NHS App easy to use when contacting their GP practice, a big improvement from 45% in 2024.
A range of initiatives have been used to increase usage of the app and promote digital inclusion more generally across the area, including:
- In Derbyshire, local groups have used financial support from the ICB and local authorities 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 in their communities.
- In Lincolnshire, the 2025 Health Inequalities Grant Fund, delivered by Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team on behalf of NHS Lincolnshire ICB, supported community-led projects to reduce health inequalities and improve access to healthcare services. A key focus was digital inclusion, helping residents overcome barriers such as low digital confidence, language challenges and deprivation, while supporting them to download, register and use the NHS App as part of wider health and wellbeing activities.
- In Nottinghamshire, a network of digital inclusion co-ordinators have also been working in GP practices, local libraries, care homes and with community groups to help people access the NHS App who may lack the skills or confidence.
Andrew Fearn, Director of Digital Transformation for Derby & Derbyshire ICB, Lincolnshire ICB and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire ICB cluster, 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 more than 2 million local people 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.”
