How results messages reach patients through the NHS App

Last updated: October 22, 2026

Results messages are sent to the patient's NHS App first. Patients who do not use the NHS App receive their results message by SMS or email instead.

This article explains what each patient receives and when.

If the patient has the NHS App

  1. The results message is sent to the patient's NHS App and they receive a push notification.

  2. If the patient reads the message within 24 hours, nothing further is sent.

  3. If the message is still unread after 24 hours, or the patient has notifications turned off, we send one reminder by SMS or email. This uses the patient's default contact method.

  4. The reminder only tells the patient that a message about their test results is waiting in the NHS App. It does not include any result details. The result itself is only available in the NHS App.

  5. No further reminders are sent after this, and your practice is not notified.

Reminder SMS

Dear [first name], your GP practice has messaged you about your test results. Please read it in the NHS App and turn on notifications. From [practice name].

Reminder email

Dear [first name], your GP practice has messaged you about your test results. You can read the message securely in the NHS App.

If you haven't downloaded the NHS App yet, please download it and log in to read your message. If you already have it, please turn on your notifications so you're alerted when new messages arrive.

From [practice name]

If the patient does not have the NHS App

  • There is no 24-hour wait. The results message is sent straight away by SMS or email, using the patient's default contact method.

  • The message contains the patient's results. Emails can include more detail than SMS.

  • No further messages are sent.

Frequently asked questions

Will my practice be told if a patient does not read their message?

No. Each patient receives a maximum of one reminder per result. Your practice is not notified if the message remains unread.

Does the reminder contain the patient's result?

No. Reminders contain no clinical information. They only tell the patient a message is waiting in the NHS App.

Why does the reminder ask patients to turn on notifications?

We cannot tell whether a patient has turned off notifications or simply not opened the message. Both receive the same reminder, which covers either case.

Which contact method is used for the reminder?

The patient's default contact method, either SMS or email. The same method is used for patients who do not have the NHS App.