How to Receive Messages and Turn on Notifications in the NHS App (BSL)

NHS (UK National Health Service)
NHS (UK National Health Service)Apr 9, 2026

Why It Matters

Activating NHS App notifications guarantees patients see new messages instantly, reducing delays in care coordination and enhancing overall patient engagement.

Key Takeaways

  • Access messages via the Messages icon at screen bottom.
  • Multiple inboxes may appear depending on your GP surgery.
  • Enable device notifications through Profile → App settings → Notifications.
  • Reopen the NHS App after toggling to confirm registration.
  • Notification changes can take up to 24 hours per device.

Summary

The video walks users through receiving messages and activating push notifications in the NHS App, a digital platform for communicating with NHS healthcare providers. It begins by showing how to open the Messages section from the bottom navigation bar and notes that some GP practices may present more than one inbox.

Viewers learn the step‑by‑step process to enable alerts: tap the Profile icon, scroll to App settings, select Notifications, and then follow the link to the device’s notification settings. After turning notifications on, the app must be closed and reopened to register the change.

The tutorial highlights practical nuances: notification preferences may require up to 24 hours to propagate, each device used must be configured separately, and users can access in‑app help via the ‘App help’ button. A link to further guidance on nhs.uk/nhsapp is also provided.

Enabling timely alerts ensures patients receive critical health information promptly, improving engagement with NHS services and supporting better health outcomes.

Original Description

This video explains how to receive messages from your trusted healthcare providers and turn on notifications in the NHS App.
For more information about messages in the NHS App, go to https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/help/messages/
00:00 – 00:27 How to receive your messages
00:28 – 01:28 How to turn on notifications
01:29 – 01:40 More information on the NHS App

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