Parents and carers are set to benefit from a new NHS App feature that allows them to manage the health needs of relatives without having to complete lengthy paperwork at their local GP practice
As reported by Digital Health, the initiative, currently being tested across 68 surgeries, enables users to apply online for proxy access and then switch seamlessly between their own NHS App profile and that of a child, elderly parent, or dependent adult. In practice, this means parents could book GP appointments for their children, or carers might order repeat prescriptions on behalf of a relative—all from a single login.
So far, almost 12,000 people have taken part in the pilot, with national rollout expected in 2026. Early findings suggest the service is most popular among parents managing children’s healthcare.
General practice managers say the new system has the potential to significantly reduce administrative pressure on surgery staff. Previously, families needed to visit practices in person and fill out forms, a process that often took half an hour or more. By moving this online, practices can save time while also offering patients more flexibility.
The update is part of the government’s 10-year health plan, launched in July 2025, which aims to make the NHS App the “front door” to healthcare services.
With 38.5 million registered users and more than 56 million logins a month, the NHS App is already one of the most widely used health platforms in the country, and officials believe proxy access will help make it even more inclusive.
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