Residents in Peterborough now have access to a new step-by-step guide designed to help them use the NHS App to manage their healthcare. Published on 26 March 2026 by Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the guide simplifies the process of booking GP appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, and viewing medical records online.
This initiative supports a national drive by NHS England known as the Tap it, type it and we’ll take care of it campaign. The effort aims to encourage more patients to use online services to contact their doctor. When patients use secure online forms, local GP practices are expected to respond within one working day, whether by offering an appointment, a phone call, or a text message.
The move toward digital health comes as officials look for ways to reduce the number of missed doctor visits. Data shows that 16 million GP appointments were missed across England in 2025, with nearly one in four patients reporting they missed a slot because they forgot or arrived too late. By using the app, residents can set up notifications to help stay on top of their care.
While the NHS App has over 40 million registered users nationally, the Good Things Foundation reports that roughly 31 percent of the UK population still does not access health services online. These residents are often older, living with a disability, or have fewer formal qualifications. Healthwatch notes that while the app is a powerful tool for those who can use it, traditional ways of accessing services remain available for those who need them.
The full guide is available on the Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough website for anyone looking to get started with digital healthcare services.
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