Nearly half of England’s population has access to some form of digital healthcare according to the latest official figures.

NHS Digital said 28 million have an NHS login account, up from 2.2 million users in September last year, and over 16 million have access to the NHS app.

In August the majority of NHS login users, 20.3 per cent, were based in London while 20 to 29-year-olds were the biggest users of the system that month followed by 20 to 39-year-olds and 40 to 49-year-olds.

NHS Digital claimed the NHS app is “the most downloaded free app in England” with more than 12 million new users since the Covid pass was added in May.

It said between May and August, 153,557 people registered their organ donation preferences, over three million repeat prescriptions were ordered and 268,000 GP appointments were booked on the app. The NHS login contains 45 apps and e-health resources including online pharmacies, referral services, Covid and mental health support.

“We are pleased to see such a massive uptake in people managing their healthcare needs digitally throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with around half of people in England now able to access digital healthcare services through NHS login,” said Melissa Ruscoe, a programme head at NHS Digital.

“Through the services integrated with NHS login people can book GP appointments, order lateral flow tests, register their organ donation preferences, and much more. 

“This helps free up valuable time for GP practice staff and provides a simple and efficient way for people to take control of their healthcare and access services easily and securely.”