Millions of NHS app users in England can now receive smartwatch and phone notifications when their prescriptions are ready for collection.
NHS England said the new service aims to prevent unnecessary calls and premature visits to the chemist to collect medication.
To receive these updates, individuals must turn on push alerts within the application settings.
Health innovation minister James Frith said: “This is a practical example of how digital technology can make a difference to people’s everyday experience of the NHS, while also helping to reduce unnecessary calls and free up valuable time for pharmacy staff to focus on supporting patients.
“Anyone that uses the NHS app should switch on notifications so they can benefit from this brilliant new service.”
Rob Thompson, chief digital, data and technology officer at NHS England, said: “The new prescription ready alerts are the latest step in the NHS giving people more control over how they manage their healthcare, as well as helping to reduce admin for staff.
“Thousands of pharmacies are already live with the service, so I’d encourage all NHS app users to enable notifications in the app so they can get the full benefit.”
The latest feature follows the launch of the “Amazon-style” prescription tracker on the NHS app, which officials said has been used by almost 2.9 million people.
Around one in three pharmacies in England is now offering the tracking service.
Mr Thompson added: “The NHS app’s prescription tracking feature has been incredibly popular since we launched it last year, and we’re now making it even easier to find out when your prescription is ready.
“Millions of app users will be able to get near real-time alerts on their smartwatches or mobiles, avoiding the need to regularly check the app or make unnecessary trips or calls to their pharmacy.”
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, also welcomed the new feature.
“Making it easier for patients to know when their prescription is ready can save time and reduce unnecessary trips to the pharmacy,” she said.
“It’s something many people have been asking for, and alongside other non-digital ways of accessing information and support, can help make it easier for patients to get the information they need in a way that works for them.”
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said it would free up staff time from answering phone calls and encourage more patients to use the NHS app.
“Pharmacies want to do all they can to embrace new technology and make the vital services they offer as easy and convenient as possible for patients to access,” he said.
“Many pharmacies already use tracking-style technology and a number have invested in their own apps to allow this to happen.”
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