NHS APP - Update re patient contact

Important update on how we contact patients

We recently advised that we were looking at different methods of communicating with our patients as the cost of SMS messaging is having a major impact on the NHS as a whole, including to our practice directly.

The NHS App is now our preferred method of communication with patients wherever possible, and we strongly encourage patients to ensure that their notifications are switched on to ensure messages are received. We would encourage you to look at the notifications daily, especially if you are expecting contact with the surgery.  If the NHS App notifications are not checked within 24 hours of the message being sent, it will revert to a SMS message and be charged to the surgery.

For patients who do not use the NHS App, our next preferred method of communication will be email, but to be mindful to check junk mail if expecting contact from the surgery. We will continue to send a letter to patients who have noted this in their reasonable adjustments or as their preferred method of communication.

This change is required due to significant changes in the funding arrangements for text messaging services, which have resulted in increased costs for GP practices.

We would be grateful if patients could ensure contact details are up to date INCLUDING A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS and, where possible, download and enable notifications on the NHS App.

https://www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Published on 30 June 2026