PATIENTS across Devon can now access their hospital and specialist community care information more easily.

This is thanks to a new secure connection between the NHS App and MY CARE.

The development allows patients to use their existing NHS App login details to access MY CARE, the online service that provides detailed information about hospital appointments, specialist care and health records through a mobile device or computer.

The NHS App already allows patients to manage aspects of their GP care, including repeat prescriptions, vaccinations and NHS 111 online services.

By linking the two platforms, patients will now have a simpler way to view and manage more of their healthcare information in one place.

There are two ways patients can access MY CARE using their NHS login.

They can visit the MY CARE login page and select ‘Continue to NHS login’, or they can use hospital and specialist community care appointment links within the NHS App to transfer directly to MY CARE.

When using the NHS App to access MY CARE for the first time, patients will be asked to provide consent for their NHS login details to be shared securely with the MY CARE team, allowing them to log in or create a MY CARE account.

The changes follow the introduction of the Devon-wide electronic patient record, which means patients receiving care from Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust can now benefit from the new features.

Patients attending University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust will also gain access once the trust joins the electronic patient record later this month.

Integrating MY CARE with the NHS App has been a key request from patients.

The MY CARE team has worked alongside software provider Epic and NHS England to create a secure link between the two systems, making it easier for people to keep track of their healthcare.

While most appointments will appear through the NHS App, some may not be visible.

Patients are advised to use MY CARE directly for the most complete view of their upcoming appointments and information.