Medical records, test results, and doctors’ letters will soon be accessible via the NHS App under new plans for a digital overhaul in England’s health service. As part of a 10-year strategy, ministers aim to revolutionise patient interactions with the NHS, similar to how apps have transformed banking.

Currently, patient records are held locally by GPs and hospitals, and not all NHS services integrate with the app. However, the government is moving forward with creating a single patient record, allowing quicker access to care and reducing medical errors. Although some campaigners have raised data protection concerns, ministers are committed to safeguarding confidential health information.

A national conversation to shape the 10-year plan has been launched, focusing on the shift from "analogue to digital" care, with the public invited to contribute ideas. The plan also aims to move care into community-based neighbourhood health centres, offering a range of services under one roof.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of public input, stating, “The NHS is facing its worst crisis, but with your ideas, we can fix it.” Patients Association chief Rachel Power welcomed the initiative, saying it puts patients at the heart of NHS improvements. The government is expected to announce additional funding in the upcoming Budget to support these changes.