Notifications and messaging in the NHS App

The NHS App messaging service provides a secure inbox that allows patients to receive messages from health and care services such as their GP surgery via the NHS App, instead of SMS (text message) or letter.

Patients will get a notification from the NHS App when they receive a message in their secure inbox, if they have notifications enabled on their device.

Messages currently going through to the NHS App include: some types of messages from GP surgeries, screening invitations, vaccination invitations and hospital appointments.

How it works

To receive a notification when a new message has been sent, the patient will need to switch on NHS App notifications on their device. This can be done in the NHS App or in the device settings. Notifications preferences may take 24 hours to take effect.

If a message is not successfully delivered to the NHS App or read by the patient, your messaging service provider will automatically send a message via another channel such as SMS or email. This is referred to as the “fallback” and is usually sent within 1-24 hours. The fallback option ensures the patient receives the message.

Your message service provider can offer both time sensitive and non-time sensitive messaging via the NHS App. However, in emergencies or circumstances where urgent care or communication is required, the clinician should contact the patient directly via telephone.

More information can be found by using the following link Notifications and messaging in the NHS App – NHS England Digital