Instant messaging
Published on: 27th April 2020 | Updated on: 7th July 2026
Instant messaging lets you send messages between devices in real time. This means pharmacy teams in different locations can quickly communicate and respond to each other as messages appear instantly on screen (as long as both devices are connected to the service).
NHS guidance previously advised that it can be appropriate to use mobile messaging to communicate with colleagues and patients when needed. This includes using common apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram where there is no practical alternative and the benefits outweigh any risks.
However, you should always:
- Think carefully about what information you are sharing;
- Avoid sharing personal or confidential patient information where possible; and
- Make sure messages are only shared with the right people.
Protecting patient information must always be your priority. When in doubt, use more secure NHS-approved systems.
If you use nhs.net, you can access Microsoft Teams (subject to your organisation’s local settings). MS Teams was introduced to support better collaboration across health and care.
You can use MS Teams to:
- Send instant messages between two or more nhs.net users; and
- Communicate with colleagues across different health and care organisations.
This can help pharmacy teams work more efficiently and stay connected.
Read more on the support.nhs.net website.
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
