The public is making increasing use of the NHS App, reducing personal trips to practices, according to a new analysis.

NHS Digital, which manages the App, said the study showed how the App is reducing the carbon footprint of the NHS by reducing patient journeys. According to the analysis, between April and December last year the App saved 200,000 vehicle trips to practices by enabling booking of repeat prescriptions and appointments.

The App now has 26 million people signed up. Many downloaded it during the pandemic. According to NHS Digital, some 5.9 million repeat prescriptions have been ordered in the last four months using the app and more than 463,000 appointments booked. This represents about 0.5% of the total appointments in four months.

Susie Day, NHS Digital head of delivery for the NHS App, said: “By using the NHS App to manage appointments and order repeat prescriptions online thousands of patient journeys to GP practices are being saved every month. The NHS App is providing people with a convenient and secure way to access healthcare and is having a wider positive environmental impact. Sustainability is a key priority for NHS Digital and the organisation is working to reduce its carbon footprint. Last year, use of the app helped save more than 200,000 car journeys, resulting in a significant reduction of carbon emissions.”