A mobile app offered by NHS Direct, the arm of the UK health provider which offers advice via the phone and online, has been used more than one million times since its launch at the end of May, the organisation says.  NHS Direct says the app has proved popular with UK users and points to the positive reviews it has garnered as well as its presence at the number one spot in the iTunes free apps chart in the week immediately following its release. The app, which is free, is available for download by iPhone or Android smartphones.

Among the app’s features is integration with NHS Direct’s phone service so that users can request a callback from a nurse if they require further advice than is available from the mobile service. Another feature is that users can save advice from the app onto their phone for up to 30 days or email it to themselves so they can access again at a later date. The app includes access to 40 health and symptom checks across a range of issues including dental pain, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rashes, back pain and burns. There is also advice about specific conditions such as flu and hay fever and specialist information on mental health, contraception, sexual health and pregnancy.