Improving patient experience: New NHS IT system

Patients across England are set to benefit from a major NHS upgrade: the approval of a new, cloud-based GP IT system—the first of its kind in over two decades.
A woman having a video consultation using her tablet

What’s changing for patients? 

The NHS is replacing outdated, fragmented systems with an efficient, more connected digital platform. This means that patients can expect a faster and more helpful process when ordering and collecting prescriptions. 

GPs and pharmacies will have an improved way to coordinate care in real time, which could prevent longer waits and enable fewer delays in patients receiving the medication they need.

Clearer and efficient access to health information 

The new system facilitates patients with easier access to their own health records. Whether you’re experiencing long-term conditions, checking medication histories, or attending medication reviews, this change will help patients feel more in control of their health. For those using online NHS services or apps, improvements in functionality and speed are expected to follow.

For pharmacy staff and GP teams, the new platform reduces administrative workload and simplifies day-to-day processes. Therefore, more time and effort can be spent focusing on patients, ensuring more accuracy in prescriptions, and creating a smoother experience overall.

What does the future of NHS patient experience look like? 

  • Improved prescription management with reduced delays.
  • Greater visibility of patient records when needed.
  • Advanced communication between GP practices and pharmacies.
  • A more modern, reliable digital experience as systems are upgraded.

The new system is being rolled out now, with more practices set to adopt it throughout 2026. Patients are encouraged to speak with their local GP practices about any changes, especially if they rely on digital services or repeat prescriptions.

Learn more directly from NHS England

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