The NHS App - Help for Patients
Booking Appointments via the NHS App
We understand that some patients are experiencing difficulty using the NHS App to book appointments. We want to help clarify how the NHS App works and what to expect when using it.
What You Need to Know
The NHS App is managed nationally by NHS England, not by individual GP practices.
Why You Might Not See Appointments
The availability of appointments in the NHS App depends on:
· How your GP surgery has chosen to manage its appointment system.
· The number of online appointments we’re able to safely offer.
· Whether the appointment slots have already been booked by other patients.
If no appointments are visible, it means all online slots have been taken. We still offer appointments through other routes, such as by phone, or we may direct you to more appropriate services depending on your need.
Learn more about how GP surgery appointments work in the NHS App:
NHS App – GP surgery appointments
Need Help Using the NHS App?
The NHS has produced helpful walk-through videos to guide you through the app's features:
NHS App Walk-Through Videos
These can help you understand how to:
· Book or cancel appointments
· Access online consultations
· Use other useful services available in the app
Other Ways to Get Help
While the app is useful, it’s not the only way to get support. You can:
· Call the surgery if you need urgent or same-day care
· Submit an online consultation through our website – this is usually best done around 8.30am Mon-Fri
· Use NHS-approved self-help resources such as:
o NHS 111 Online Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111
o Your local pharmacy for minor ailments
Thank You for Your Patience
We are always working to provide the best possible care. We appreciate your understanding that technical issues or limitations with the NHS App are outside of our control. Your feedback is important, and we encourage you to contact NHS Digital directly with app-related concerns.
Published on 30 July 2025