Libraries supporting more people to use NHS App 

The NHS has announced a new partnership with libraries across England to help more people access online health services and use the NHS App. 

The scheme, in partnership with The National Health Literacy Partnership, will officially launch in October – with NHS England contacting public libraries and NHS libraries in the coming weeks to provide toolkits and information. 

Libraries already play a vital role in making online services more accessible and according to a recent survey by Ipsos, librarians are the third most trusted profession in Britain. 

By providing librarians with the right tools and support, they will be able to play a key part in helping people to use the NHS App and NHS.UK to better understand and manage their health. 

John Quinn, Chief Information Officer at NHS England, and a former librarian said: “Public libraries are at the heart of our communities and offer a significant opportunity to reach those who face barriers when it comes to accessing their health information online. 

“The NHS App has more than 34 million registered users and we want to ensure no-one is excluded from using this service. 

“My first profession was a librarian, and it was amazing training for the role I do today. Librarians have always been at the forefront of providing services to communities and getting information to people at the right time.”