Once set up, parents or carers can easily switch profiles on the NHS App, enabling them to order repeat prescriptions, access medical information like care plans and manage appointments on behalf of someone else.
In pilot areas, parents or carers who are registered at the same GP practice as their loved ones can apply for the service by providing their details. These then go through verification checks, through national NHS systems and via the GP practice, before access is granted.
Almost 12,000 people have already applied through pilots in 68 GP practices, with plans to roll the service out more widely from next year.
Dr Vin Diwakar, clinical transformation director at NHS England, said: ‘The family access feature in the NHS App makes it much easier for parents and carers to support the health of their loved ones - and it's as simple as switching Netflix profiles.
‘It's also hugely beneficial for GP practices, reducing the time staff spend on admin and freeing up resources, as well as improving efficiency and coordination of care.
‘This is a great example of how we're transforming healthcare by harnessing digital technology as part of the Government's 10-Year Health Plan, as well as tackling digital exclusion.'
The service, which has so far been most often used by parents for their children, also improves access to the NHS App for people who may not have the correct device, data coverage or digital skills, or face language barriers.
Will Palmer, digital community connector at Frome Medical Practice in Somerset, said: 'Patients are so relieved that they can easily get set up to order repeat prescriptions or see test results for their loved ones in the NHS App.
'For our practice, it reduces the admin burden and improves efficiency, care coordination and communication, as well as empowering carers – it's a gamechanger.'
Latest data shows the NHS App now has 38.5 million registered users, with an average of 56.5 million logins each month for people to manage their healthcare.
A total of 61.5 million repeat prescriptions have been ordered via the NHS App in the past 12 months – a 46% increase on the previous year (42.2 million). There were also 87.4 million views of patient test results during the same period.
