NHS App roadshow comes to Bedford

Prominent Bedford Borough councillors and charity chief executives were among those who joined forces with staff from the region’s integrated care board on Friday (6 December) to show local residents the benefits of using the NHS App to get easier access to health services.

Cllrs Sue Oliver, Caroline White and John Wheeler – along with the chief executive of Mind in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, Caroline Lewis – were among the first

The NHS App roadshow, which will continue its travels across the region into the New Year visited King Street surgery and Wootton Vale Healthy Living Centre. Clinicians, technicians and NHS staff were also on hand to show residents how to download the app, get the most from their general practice, and access health information on the go.

Caroline Lewis, CEO of Mind BLMK, said:

“The NHS App is a great tool for residents, as it offers an easy way to access health services and manage wellbeing.  By supporting this initiative, we’re helping people take control of their health, which is a crucial step in promoting positive mental health across the community.”

Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“The NHS App makes it easier to order repeat prescriptions, see test results and book vaccinations.  At some general practices, you can also book an appointment with a health professional most suited to your needs.

“As winter approaches, we want to help people to get the help and care they need, when they need it, and the NHS App will be central to helping us support local people better.

“Take up of the NHS App in some parts of our region is lower than the national average, with around 50% of residents signed up, compared with 60% nationally.  We hope these events will help give people the confidence they need to download and use the NHS App, so they can manage their care in a way which best suits their needs.”

The app, which can be downloaded on Apple and Android devices and allows individuals to take greater ownership over their own healthcare.

The Bedford Borough NHS App Day was the second in a series of events taking place across the region.  Further events will take place in Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes early in 2025.

The events aim to support residents in accessing health and care services and allows them to:

• Order repeat prescriptions.
• Manage appointments (at some practices only; please check whether this is available at your practice).
• View their GP health record.
• Book and manage vaccinations against flu and COVID-19.
• Register their organ donation decision.
• Choose how the NHS uses their data.
• Use NHS 111 online for instant advice or medical help nearby.

For more information on the NHS App, please visit the NHS website.