Can application-specific issues about the backend be reported here?

[RokeJulianLockhart]

When I was part of the armed forces, I was incredibly disappointed to find that the AOSP application (at least, that which is offered at play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhs.online.nhsonline in 2022 in the stable channel; I still see no beta channel), ¹ didn't support personnel registered with Defence Medical Services.

I've never seen an update from the NHS on this topic, so I've been meaning to file an issue about it. However, I see no source repository for anything except the mere GUI stack, so I presume that there's no public bug tracker. Consequently, does this one accept issues not directly about the frontend? Other government services have trackers for this, so I've reason to believe that there's a chance I'll receive a useful response: ^{2 3 4} this isn't a rant.

Footnotes

1. apkmirror.com/apk/nhs-digital/nhs-app/nhs-app-2-22-8-release ↩

2. govuk-one-login/authentication-frontend/issues/2184 ↩

3. dwp/Discussions/issues/1 ↩

4. alphagov/e-petitions/issues/1164 ↩

[Graham-Pembrey]

Hi and thanks for raising this. I'm a content designer on the NHS App team.

Sorry for the frustration you had with not being able to use the app while serving in the armed service. This may not be the technical response you were looking for, but essentially the reason for the app being unavailable for Defence Medical Services patients is because those GP surgeries and their data are managed separately from NHS surgeries. The NHS App is currently built around connections with NHS GP surgeries and their IT systems.

There's a brief mention of DMS patients not being able to use the app here on the 'Who can use the NHS App' help page. It links through to some information about NHS services for armed forces personnel.

Our sources of public feedback include contact with the NHS App support team and in-app feedback. You're welcome to raise points here though as you have done!

[RokeJulianLockhart]

This may not be the technical response you were looking for, but essentially the reason for the app being unavailable for Defence Medical Services patients is because those GP surgeries and their data are managed separately from NHS surgeries. The NHS App is currently built around connections with NHS GP surgeries and their IT systems.

@Graham-Pembrey, thanks. To confirm that I've understood, a summary of the aforequoted is that DMS and the NHS have separate superordinate organisational structures, rather than DMS being a subsidiary of the NHS? I ask because nhs.uk/services/independent-sector-provider/defence-medical-services/DDG appeared to demonstrate the latter / otherwise. If so, I suppose this needs to be taken up with the MoD instead.

[Graham-Pembrey]

Thanks @RokeJulianLockhart. Yes, your summary is correct as I understand it. I see what you mean about the NHS website listing being a bit confusing on that front.

[RokeJulianLockhart]

@Graham-Pembrey, thanks! Maybe whatdotheyknow.com/request/has_the_mod_documented_any_effor'll get them thinking about it.