UCL GBSH Applauds NHS App Update That Enhances Access for Vulnerable Patients

The UCL Global Business School for Health (GBSH) has welcomed a new feature in the NHS App that allows family members and carers to support loved ones more easily, describing it as a meaningful step toward more inclusive healthcare.

In a recent article for The Independent, Professor Nora Colton, Founding Director of UCL Global Business School for Health, highlighted the significance of the update, which allows users to add another profile to their NHS app online instead of having to do it in person. While seemingly a small change, this innovation will make it easier for parents to book GP appointments for their children, for example, or carers to order repeat prescriptions for an elderly relative.

“Too often debates about the digital revolution taking place across the NHS just focus on how AI will transform healthcare,” said Professor Colton. “But as important is how to make it as simple and as straightforward as possible for patients to access the treatment and care they need.”

“Opening up the system so family members can support their loved ones more quickly and more easily might not seem transformative, it will make a genuine impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people the NHS cares for.”

The new feature is particularly impactful for vulnerable patients who rely on carers or relatives to manage their health. By streamlining access, it empowers families to act quickly and effectively, improving outcomes and reducing stress.

At UCL GBSH, this development aligns with the School’s mission to rethink how healthcare systems are designed and led. The School advocates for digital innovation that prioritises accessibility, equity, and patient experience.

“Sometimes the most powerful digital innovations aren’t the most complex,” the School noted in a statement. “They’re the ones that make access easier, faster, and fairer for those who need it most.”

As the NHS continues its digital transformation, UCL GBSH remains committed to shaping leaders who understand that technology must serve people first, especially those most at risk of being left behind.