The British National Formulary (BNF) has launched a mobile app for healthcare professionals to access the latest prescribing information on the go.

The official NICE BNF app is available to download for free for users of Android and iPhone smartphones via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

It is hoped the app will enable users to browse and search the full content from the BNF as well as receive notifications when new editions and updates are available.

Users will need to enter their NHS Athens user name and password to activate the app and download the content or register online.

"Ensuring staff have access to the latest high quality information to deliver the best possible patient care has always been very important to NICE,” said Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of NICE.

"The growing use of smartphones has created a new culture and means for people to access information while on the move.

"[The app] looks great and is easy to use. And because you don't need internet access once the app is downloaded, it means that professionals can be reassured they can get access to the BNF wherever they may be delivering care."

NICE revealed an app for the British National Formulary for Children (BNFC) is in the late stages of development and will be released soon.