Alan, a 56-year-old long-term volunteer at the North Somerset Training Hub (NST Hub), has supported digital skills classes for more than four years and has strong technology skills. He also manages his own health conditions that need ongoing specialist appointments and treatments, including repeat prescriptions.

Despite his needs and digital competency, Alan hadn’t used the NHS App before, as he didn’t see a need for it nor did he understand the benefits the app can bring. He managed his care through other digital channels, where he communicated with his doctors and tracked his medications.

In May 2026, as part of NST Hub’s initiative to promote NHS App adoption, Alan downloaded and set up the app. He noted that there was some difficulty in set up, especially with providing photographic ID and completing the security sections, and felt this might prove especially difficult for those who aren’t as digitally savvy, or lack photo ID.

However, when the app’s security clearance was approved, Alan’s perspective shifted. He said:

“Once I was able to access the app it was all very straightforward. The test results and consultation part are very informative and easy to use. The NHS App overall is very straightforward, simple to use, and to navigate.”

Alan was able to review his test results in an easy-to-read format and access his full medical history and ongoing diagnoses, giving him a clear, consolidated view of his health. He confirmed he will continue using the NHS App to manage his healthcare moving forward.

Despite being digitally savvy, Alan encountered problems with the setup of the app, highlighting that digitally literate patients can be deterred by a lack of clear, upfront value. However, as a volunteer at NST Hub, Alan is in a great position to help others with these security barriers, streamlining the process to help patients get onto the app quicker.

More benefits of using the NHS App:

• Book and manage appointments
• Better communication between patients and healthcare providers
• Order repeat prescriptions easily
• View and manage health records in one place
• Access to health information and resources.

A partnership bringing together member-owned GP federation One Care (BNSSG) CIC, community healthcare provider Sirona care & health and community engagement experts Caafi Health, has been awarded the NHS England Vaccination Outreach Service contract for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). 

The three-year contract, which begins in September 2026, brings together the strengths of general practice, community healthcare and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to improve vaccination uptake among people and communities who are least likely to access routine vaccination services. 

One Care, is the lead provider, and will coordinate the partnership, integrate general practice into the Service and ensure activity is targeted where it can have the greatest impact. Sirona will contribute expertise in community healthcare and vaccination delivery, while Caafi Health will support with community engagement and work alongside trusted local organisations to help remove barriers to vaccination. 

Together, the partnership will work to complement existing vaccination services combining clinical expertise with trusted community relationships. A significant proportion of the programme will be delivered through community organisations, recognising the vital role they play in reaching underserved communities  

Ruth Hughes, Chief Executive of One Care, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring together the strengths of general practice, community healthcare and our VCFSE partners to tackle inequalities in vaccination uptake across BNSSG. 

“General practice remains at the heart of this programme. Our role is to coordinate and enable partners to work together, ensuring outreach activity complements existing services and reaches communities who face the greatest barriers to accessing vaccination.” 

Over the coming months, the partners will work together with NHS and community organisations to mobilise the Outreach Vaccination Service ahead of its launch in September 2026.