The shift from analogue to digital is one of the three priorities laid out in the 10 Year Health Plan, but what does that mean for patients in Gloucestershire and how are we supporting our communities to get online and understand digital technologies?
Dr Mala Ubhi is a GP working in Cheltenham and Digital Clinical Lead at NHS Gloucestershire, with an interest in digital inclusion. Here she explains how Gloucestershire’s Digi Hubs project is changing lives across the county:
Digital technologies are never far from the headlines. Talk of Artificial Intelligence or AI, and new apps to support health put new advances front and centre of the future path for the NHS.
We know from our engagement work and from work carried out by our friends at Healthwatch Gloucestershire that there are some big barriers to ensuring all our communities can fully embrace digital.
Challenges include things like the cost of devices and connectivity, a lack of skills or confidence, language and learning differences.
In Gloucestershire, our Digi Hubs are making it easier for people to feel confident using digital tools, whether that’s getting started with the NHS App or learning how to stay in touch with family online. The project brings together community groups and local partners to offer free, relaxed digital support across the county.
We know that not everyone finds technology simple or accessible. That’s why the Digi Hubs focus on practical, hands-on help. Support could include logging into the NHS App for the first time, ordering a prescription online or even setting up FaceTime before calling a relative.
Sessions take place in familiar community settings across Gloucestershire. You might find a Digi Hub running in a library, a community café, a family hub or a local GP practice, depending on what works best for each neighbourhood. In the Forest of Dean, for example, hubs already work closely with GP practices to offer targeted support where it’s most needed.
The aim is simple. By giving people confidence with everyday digital tasks, we can help them get the most out of the NHS App. The App is already widely used for booking appointments and managing prescriptions. Some residents only need a bit of guidance to make the App part of their routine, whilst others may need a more personalised approach. Either way, the Digi Hubs team are well-positioned to provide the support that best help you meet your digital needs.
Flora Croysdale is a Digital Inclusion Community Builder working with the Gloucester Community Building Collective, she supports Digi Hubs across the city.
She said:
“Last year, I visited a Parkinson’s support group to give a short talk on digital tools that can help people manage their condition, including symptom tracking, finding reliable health information, and supporting mental wellbeing. I also spoke about the NHS App, showing how it can be used to view health records, manage appointments, and order repeat prescriptions – features that are particularly valuable for people with caring responsibilities.
“After the session, I provided 1:1 support and helped several attendees download the NHS App. One couple shared that they were feeling overwhelmed by appointments and new information; by setting up the app and walking them through it, they were able to see everything in one place. This highlighted how building digital skills can ease anxiety and help people feel more confident managing their healthcare.”
Whether someone wants to set up proxy access for a child, turn on notifications or learn how to message their practice, the Digi Hubs are there to make the process feel straightforward and supportive. And because sessions are friendly and flexible, people can learn at their own pace with someone beside them who understands their starting point.
Digi Hubs show what can happen when local organisations work together to make digital health tools feel accessible to everyone in Gloucestershire.
Find out more about Digi Hubs in Gloucestershire here.
Or check out the interactive map of all locations and times of Hubs in the county here.