NHS England is rolling out phone and smartwatch notifications to tell app users when prescriptions are ready for collection, pitching the service as a way to cut uncertainty without making digital access the only option.

The feature requires users to turn on push notifications in the NHS App. It is available through thousands of pharmacies in England, including nearly 2,500 sites cited in one account, and builds on the prescription-tracking tool that has been used by almost 2.9 million people.¹

Officials emphasise the operational gains alongside convenience for patients. James Frith, the health innovation minister, called the rollout “a practical example of how digital technology can make a difference to people's everyday experience of the NHS,” saying it could reduce unnecessary calls and leave pharmacy staff more time to support patients.¹

Rob Thompson, NHS England’s chief digital, data and technology officer, similarly said near-real-time alerts should spare users from repeatedly checking the app or making premature calls and journeys to pharmacies. He described the change as giving people “more control over how they manage their healthcare” while reducing staff administration.²

Patient and pharmacy representatives broadly share that view, but put different weight on what must accompany the technology. Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said alerts could save time and reduce avoidable pharmacy trips. Yet she stressed that they should sit “alongside other non-digital ways of accessing information and support,” so patients can use the route that works for them.²

Henry Gregg of the National Pharmacy Association framed the system as an accessibility measure as well as a staffing benefit, arguing that fewer phone queries could allow teams to focus on care.¹ The common ground is clear: alerts may make prescription collection simpler. The continuing test is whether that digital convenience is delivered without narrowing access for people who do not use the app.