What Is Accurx NHS? A Comprehensive Guide to the Leading Communication Tool for Healthcare

Curious about Accurx? You’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore why so many GP practices are turning to Accurx for secure messaging, video consultations and more. Let’s dive in!

What Is Accurx NHS?

Accurx is a communication platform designed specifically for the NHS. It helps improve patient engagement, streamline workflows, and enhance communication across healthcare settings. Primarily used in GP surgeries and primary care, Accurx NHS is a key player in connecting patients with their healthcare providers, ensuring efficient care delivery.

Launched in 2016, Accurx began as a text messaging tool for NHS clinicians and patients. Over time, it grew to include additional services like video consultations, digital triage, and seamless integration with major NHS systems. Today, thousands of practices across the UK rely on Accurx for their day-to-day communications.

Key Features of Accurx NHS

  • Secure Messaging: Share text messages, photos, and documents securely. It’s compliant with NHS standards, so you can rest easy knowing patient data is protected.
  • Video Consultations: Host virtual appointments with patients, particularly useful when face-to-face consultations aren’t possible.
  • Patient Triage: Collect patient symptoms through online forms, allowing practices to prioritise urgent cases.
  • Integration with NHS Systems: Enjoy seamless integration with EMIS, SystmOne, and other NHS software platforms, so you don’t waste valuable time switching between systems.

Why Is Accurx Important for the NHS?

Streamlining Communication

One of the main reasons Accurx has become a staple in NHS practices is its ability to streamline communication. GPs can securely message patients via SMS, video, or email, cutting down on lengthy phone calls and ensuring data privacy remains intact.

Improved Patient Access

Features like digital triage and secure messaging improve patient access to services. Patients can send their queries, request advice, and receive follow-up instructions without staying on hold for ages. This modern approach significantly reduces unnecessary appointments and phone congestions.

Cost Efficiency

Accurx offers different pricing packages. Some smaller practices opt for Accurx Lite (a limited free tier), but those wanting advanced features typically incur subscription costs. If you’d like more in-depth pricing info, check out our articles How Much Does Accurx Cost? Let’s Do the Maths or What Is Accurx’s Pricing for an Individual GP Practice?.

Is Accurx Free?

You might have read that Accurx offers free services. While there is a free option, called Accurx Lite, it includes only basic features, such as sending SMS messages to patients. Most practices soon realise they need advanced functionalities—like video consultations and batch messaging—available on paid tiers.

How Does Accurx Benefit Healthcare Professionals?

Accurx isn’t just handy for patients; it’s a tremendous help for healthcare providers as well.

1. Time-Saving

Accurx replaces manual paperwork with online messaging and triage, freeing up your practice to focus on seeing patients.

2. Better Workflow Management

With batch messaging, integrated records, and real-time updates, Accurx improves workflow and minimises admin headaches for busy clinical teams.

3. Enhanced Collaboration

Accurx supports multi-user access, fostering better collaboration among GPs, nurses, and administrative staff. Securely share documents, patient queries and manage cases—no more passing notes around the practice.

Alternatives to Accurx: Is There a Better Option?

Accurx is undoubtedly a strong contender in the NHS communications market. However, if you’re looking for a highly affordable and flexible alternative, you might consider Hero Health. Priced at 45p per patient, per annum, Hero Health offers fully customisable triage pathways, integrated online booking, batch messaging, and more. For instance, if you want to explore a more tailored triage solution, you can read about Hero’s Care Navigation & Triage.

Other systems like Livi, Patchs, and MyGP also exist, but each differs in pricing structure and feature set. Make sure to compare a few options so you can find the best communication toolkit for your practice.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering, “What is Accurx NHS?”, it’s a comprehensive platform for secure communication in GP practices and healthcare settings. Offering SMS, video consultations, triage, and integration with NHS systems, Accurx has transformed the way GPs interact with patients—making it faster, more effective, and less reliant on endless phone calls.

That said, Accurx’s pricing can be steep for practices looking to cut costs. If you’re in the market for an alternative with more customisation and lower costs, Hero Health might be your cup of tea. Across the board, adopting a robust digital communication solution—be it Accurx or Hero—will bring your practice into the modern NHS era.

Learn more:

Frequently asked questions

Commonly asked questions by providers using Hero to transform their service

Is Accurx really free?

Does Accurx integrate with EMIS and SystmOne?

How does Accurx compare to Hero Health?

Does Accurx offer batch messaging?

What if I need a more custom triage system?

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Considering Hero? Review our latest blogs to learn about how practices are using Care Navigation, and why Hero Health is an increasingly popular alternative to Accurx

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