New Features for Patients

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) has launched a new feature allowing patients to view their appointments and receive reminders through the NHS App. This integration is made possible by the implementation of DrDoctor technology.

Challenges Overcome

Previously, community healthcare faced challenges in integrating with the NHS App due to:

• Fragmented systems
• Limited interoperability
• Difficulties in connecting electronic patient record (EPR) systems with other products

Integration Timeline

CLCH is set to accelerate its integration starting from June 17, 2025, utilizing the DrDoctor patient engagement portal (PEP), which can directly receive and relay information from CLCH’s EPR.

Statements from Leadership

Andrew Chronias, Chief Information Officer at CLCH, stated:

“CLCH patients across London will be able to view their appointments in the NHS App and receive appointment reminders straight to their mobile phones. This reduces unnecessary printing of letters and SMS text reminder costs and allows real-time updates of any changes. I encourage all patients to download the NHS App.”

Significance of the Pilot

CLCH serves approximately four million people across 14 London boroughs and Hertfordshire. It is the first community trust to enable this feature as part of the NHS England Wayfinder pilot, which began on May 29, 2025.

Future Collaborations

Tom Whicher, Chief Executive and Co-founder of DrDoctor, expressed optimism about future collaborations:

“Our hope is this major milestone is the first of many. The long-term success of the NHS App relies on both the private and public sector working closely together to build and integrate for a better future healthcare system. We can do brilliant things if we continue to collaborate.”

Continued Notifications for Non-App Users

Patients who do not use the NHS App will still receive appointment notifications via SMS, email, and letters, as per their preferences.

Support from NHS England

James Friend, Director of Digital Strategy at NHS England, London, added:

“The NHS App is now a tried and tested best practice way to help get patients to the most appropriate environment for their assessment, treatment, and care. A huge thank you to everyone at CLCH, DrDoctor, and other providers for helping to bring these services to patients in the region.”

DrDoctor’s Reach

DrDoctor is currently collaborating with over 70 NHS trusts and health boards across both primary and secondary care.

Recent Contracts

In May 2025, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust awarded a PEP contract worth £572,000 to DrDoctor. The platform also went live at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in September 2024 as part of a phased roll-out.