NHS offers even more reasons to Tap the App
People across the North East and North Cumbria have even more reasons to download the NHS App, with a new alert letting them know when their prescriptions are ready to collect.
The feature allows people to receive a notification on their mobile phone or smartwatch when their medication is ready at participating pharmacies, including all ASDA and Boots stores.
It is the latest addition to the NHS App, which also allows people to order repeat prescriptions, manage hospital appointments, view health records and receive important messages from their GP practice or hospital.
A regional ‘Tap the App’ campaign was launched in September 2026, encouraging more people to discover the benefits of managing their healthcare from their phone, with three simple steps - download the app, switch on notifications and read their messages.
Since the campaign was launched an additional 13,600 people have registered to use the app and a further 70,299 have switched on notifications.
In total 2,153,700 people across the North East and North Cumbria have now downloaded the NHS App, with 1,391,243 switching on notifications.
Dr Neil O’Brien, GP and medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, (ICB) said: “The NHS App is a simple way to help you keep on top of your healthcare.
“Notifications can alert you to messages from your GP practice or hospital, and the new prescription alert means you can find out when your medication is ready without having to keep checking or phone the pharmacy.
“We’d really encourage people to explore all the services available to them on the NHS App.”
Rebecca McIntosh, head of digital, NHS North East and North ICB, added: “There are now more reasons than ever to 'Tap the App' and make the most of what it offers.
“Being able to receive an alert when your prescription is ready is really useful, helping people save time and avoid unnecessary calls or visits to the pharmacy.
“Alongside this, it gives people an easy way to manage appointments, check their health records and stay up to date with important messages.
“If you’ve already got the NHS App, please check your notifications are switched on. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now is a great time to get started.”
The prescription tracking service is now available at participating pharmacies across the North East and North Cumbria. Users need to enable push notifications in the NHS App to receive alerts.
The NHS App has more than 39 million registered users across England.
To find out more or register, visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/