Microsoft releases Health Choices app

Health Choices, a smartphone app that provides health guidance and information about NHS services has been released by Microsoft for use on Apple and Android devices.

The app, which was originally released by the company in collaboration with NHS Choices for its Windows Phone last month, gives users access to choice and treatment information from the government’s flagship health website and to Microsoft’s HealthVault platform.

Users can search for NHS services such as A&E or GP practices by name, location or by how close they are to the user's GPS location. Contact details for GPs, dentists, hospital departments and other NHS services are also provided.

The app also includes patient ratings on services, allowing people to make informed decisions about the best GP practice or hospital for them. A health A-Z displays condition symptoms and treatments.

For Windows Phone users, a Live Tile pinned to the start screen provides real-time information from NHS Choices and allows users to pin local NHS service information, such as contact and address details, to their home screen.

The app is integrated with Microsoft’s HealthVault platform, which provides those signed up to the scheme with secure access to their personal health record.

The platform, which was recently incorporated into South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust’s personal online health record, allows patients to view and store comprehensive NHS approved information including details of conditions, medication and immunisation records.

The app, which has been designed by software developers 3chillies, is available for free from the Windows Phone Marketplace, iTunes store and Google play.