More than half a million people in Lincolnshire are now registered to use the NHS App, following a surge in sign-ups over the last two years.
Latest figures show 515,626 residents (people aged 13 and over registered with a Lincolnshire GP practice) have signed-up to the app, accounting for 71% of the population.
Easier access to healthcare information
The NHS App makes it easier for people to manage their healthcare at the touch of a button, using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The app has recently been updated to make it easier to use. It now includes a new home screen where patients can instantly get to the information they need about prescriptions, appointments, test results, vaccinations, health conditions and other health-related documents.
In the recent GP patient survey, 53% of respondents in Lincolnshire said that they found the NHS App easy to use when contacting their GP practice. This is a big improvement from 45% in 2024.
Supporting digital inclusion in Lincolnshire
A range of initiatives have been used to increase usage of the app and promote digital inclusion in Lincolnshire, including:
2025 Health Inequalities Grant Fund
Delivered by Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team on behalf of NHS Lincolnshire ICB, supported community-led projects to reduce health inequalities and improve access to healthcare services. A key focus was digital inclusion, helping residents overcome barriers such as low digital confidence, language challenges and deprivation, while supporting them to download, register and use the NHS App as part of wider health and wellbeing activities. Some examples include:
- Lincoln Embracing All Nations: This supported NHS App uptake by training community connectors and providing one-to-one support. Alongside health information sessions on topics including healthy lifestyles, maternity care, vaccinations and access to NHS services. In total, 530 people were introduced to the NHS App, with 138 downloading and using it, helping residents take a more active role in managing their health.
- The Polish Support Initiative: Promoted NHS App uptake among migrant communities in Boston through digital inclusion workshops, health information sessions, lifestyle checks and translation support delivered in a trusted community setting.
The Boston Pilot Project
- Delivered by Lincs Digital, this provided community-based digital support drop-in sessions to help older adults, people with long-term conditions and residents in deprived areas access and use the NHS App and other online services.
A digital front door to NHS services
Kathy Fulloway, Chief Digital and Information Officer , NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“The NHS App is becoming increasingly important as a digital front door to health services. It allows people to instantly get advice, manage appointments, order repeat prescriptions and interact with a range of healthcare professionals to make healthcare more convenient and more personalised.
“Not only does the App provide a convenient way for people to interact with NHS services, it also helps free up phone lines for people who prefer more traditional ways of contacting their GP or other health services, including our local hospitals.
“To have more than half a million local people registered to use the app is a significant milestone. I’d encourage those who haven’t used the app in a while to check the new improved format and extra features, which continue to be added to.”