Despite the threat of Conservative cuts amid the economic austerity measures, the public sector's National Health Service has plans to release its very own app for smartphones and tablet devices.




The app, in tandem with a revolutionised website, is designed to offer new levels of interaction for patients, enabling them to book appointments with their doctor, order repeat prescriptions and even view test results online.

The new website will give the most comprehensive information on the services available to date, with a statistical and informative breakdown on charities, community services and social care, where to find your nearest hospital, optician, pharmacy or clinic and contact information for GPs in your area. Users can also look up conditions and medications ahead of making a formal appointment.

The NHS Information Strategy, to be published today by health secretary Andrew Lansley, is intended to give patients more ‘power’ ahead of the full digitisation of all patient records by 2015.

According to quotes with The Drum, the minister said, “The internet has revolutionised how people shop, bank and travel, and for too long the NHS has not been part of that. These proposals will ensure that the NHS will become easier to understand, easier to access and will drive up standards of care.

“If people are going to be able to choose, with their doctor, which hospital will provide them with the best care, they will need all the latest information."