Chesterfield Royal Hospital promotes Digital Inclusion Week for NHS services
Trust encourages patients to use NHS App and highlights local support for digital connectivity.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
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Generic image of a tablet screen showing health information.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is supporting Digital Inclusion Week, aiming to help patients and communities get online and utilise digital NHS services, including the NHS App.
The Trust is encouraging patients who can use the NHS App to download it and familiarise themselves with its features, which can provide access to hospital appointments and related letters, though availability varies. This initiative is part of an effort to enhance the outpatient experience by making care information more accessible and timely.
Recognising that digital access is not universal, the Trust acknowledges barriers such as confidence with technology, device or internet access, and connectivity. To address this, local support is available through Derbyshire County Council for digital and online health assistance, and Rural Action Derbyshire for improving digital connectivity in rural areas.
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"Using digital technology well gives us a real opportunity to make accessing healthcare simpler for our patients. The NHS App is an increasingly important way for people to access information about their care, including hospital appointments and some letters. We want to encourage people who can use it to download the App, explore what is available to them and make sure their contact details are kept up to date. But digital transformation has to be inclusive. We know that not everyone has the same access to technology or feels confident using digital services. It is important that we continue to provide appropriate alternatives while also signposting people to the support available to help them get online."
During Digital Inclusion Week, the public is urged to consider helping friends, family, or neighbours who might benefit from support with digital NHS services. This could involve assisting with downloading and navigating the NHS App, finding care information, or directing them to local organisations offering digital support.
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"Digital technology has a really important role to play in how we improve care and make it easier for people to access and navigate NHS services. But transformation only works if we take people with us. Digital Inclusion Week is a useful reminder that while many people benefit from tools such as the NHS App, others may need additional help or different ways to access information. Our ambition is to make the most of digital opportunities while ensuring that nobody is left behind."
Further information on digital and online health support can be found on Derbyshire County Council's website, and details on improving digital connectivity in rural communities are available from Rural Action Derbyshire.
