As reported by Digital Health, an AI-driven booking system is being rolled out across primary care, giving patients the ability to secure GP and clinician appointments directly through the NHS App after describing their symptoms
The technology, Rapid Health’s Smart Triage, has already been operating on GP practice websites since 2023 and is now being integrated into the app to streamline how patients access care.
Instead of submitting a request that is later reviewed by a receptionist or clinician, patients will be able to input their symptoms and receive an instant assessment. The system then directs them to an appropriate appointment type, which can be booked immediately within the app.
At present, more than 200 GP practices and primary care networks are using the system, covering around three million patients across 31 integrated care boards. A full rollout across participating practices is expected in early 2026.
Previously, appointment requests made through the NHS App were typically handled manually by practice staff and could take up to 24 hours to process. The new approach removes that step for many patients, aiming to speed up access and reduce administrative workload.
The development supports wider NHS ambitions to modernise access to care, including a goal that 95% of post-triage appointments should be available through the NHS App by 2028/29, as set out in national planning guidance.
