The NHS App has surpassed 34 million registered users, with an initiative underway to ensure that no one is excluded from accessing its features.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the app's significance in enhancing health service accessibility and empowering patients to take control of their health.

John Quinn, NHSE's chief information officer, highlighted the crucial role of public libraries in reaching individuals who face barriers to accessing online health information.

Starting in October 2024, NHS England will collaborate with libraries to improve access to online health services and the NHS App.

This initiative is part of the National Health Literacy Partnership, which includes organizations such as CILIP, Libraries Connected, and Arts Council England.

Louise Goswami, NHSE's chief knowledge officer, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, citing previous successful health literacy training programs in libraries.

Pilot programs have demonstrated that users appreciated the assistance provided by library staff in navigating NHS.UK.

NHSE plans to supply resources to public and NHS libraries to help staff guide users in utilizing the NHS App and NHS.UK.

Between March and May 2024, the NHS App facilitated 11.6 million repeat prescriptions, with 3.1 million requests coming from pensioners.

During the same timeframe, 12 million individuals, including 2.3 million seniors aged 66 and older, utilized the NHS App.

Notably, among the users, 309,474 were in their 80s, and 34,451 were aged 90 and above.

A report from The Digital Coalition indicated that 78% of surveyed users engaged with the app, with many expressing interest in accessing test results and personal health records.