Support
Find answers to common questions below. If something is not covered here, get in touch and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
General
Where is my data stored?
All data stays on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework. HelixOrg does not use cloud storage, sync services, or external servers. Nothing leaves your phone.
Do I need to create an account?
No. HelixOrg works entirely offline with no sign-up, login, or account required.
Which devices are supported?
HelixOrg requires an iPhone or iPad running the latest version of iOS.
Can I change the appearance?
Yes. Go to Settings and choose between System, Light, or Dark mode.
Patients and tasks
How do I add a patient?
Tap the add button on the Patients tab. Enter a name and optionally a bed number and notes. The patient will appear in the list alphabetically.
How do task priorities work?
Tasks have three priority levels: High, Medium, and Low. They're grouped by priority with colour-coded headers so you can see what needs doing first at a glance.
What are task categories?
Each task can be assigned one of seven categories: Bloods, Imaging, Referrals, Medications, Discharge, Communication, or Other. You can filter the task list by category.
How do I track investigations?
Add investigations to any patient and track them through their lifecycle: Ordered, Resulted, and Reviewed. Mark urgency, add result summaries, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
What happens when I delete a patient?
Deleting a patient removes all associated tasks, NEWS2 scores, IV fluid entries, insulin entries, and investigations. A confirmation dialog appears before anything is deleted.
Handover and communication
How do I generate a handover report?
Access the handover feature from the Patients tab. HelixOrg generates a structured document listing each patient with their bed number, latest NEWS2 score, notes, and outstanding tasks sorted by priority. Copy to clipboard or share via the system share sheet.
What is the SBAR template?
The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) template auto-populates patient details, latest NEWS2 score, and outstanding tasks into a structured call format. Copy it to clipboard for use in escalation calls or handover notes.
How should I share a handover report?
The handover view displays a prominent warning to use secure channels, and the generated text includes a reminder about sharing via Trust-approved channels. You should use your Trust's approved communication channels when sharing handover reports containing patient-identifiable information.
Clinical tools
How do I access clinical tools?
Clinical tools (NEWS2, IV Fluids, Insulin, Sepsis) are available in the Clinical Tools tab after accepting the first-launch disclaimer. Each tool links to the relevant NICE guidelines for clinicians to interpret using their own clinical judgement.
Is the NEWS2 score clinically validated?
The NEWS2 recording tool follows the Royal College of Physicians scoring methodology. You enter the total NEWS2 score, and HelixOrg displays the corresponding risk level with colour coding. However, HelixOrg is not a registered medical device. The score is provided as an organisational aid and should not replace clinical judgement.
What guidelines are the clinical tools based on?
Each clinical tool links directly to the relevant NICE guidelines. NEWS2 links to RCP NEWS2 (2017). IV fluids link to NICE CG174 (2013). Insulin protocols link to JBDS 01/02/09 and CPOC 2023. Sepsis recognition links to NICE NG51 (2016) and NG253.
Security and privacy
How do I lock the app?
Go to Settings and enable App Lock. Choose Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Set an auto-lock timer so the app locks itself after a period of inactivity.
What happens in the app switcher?
HelixOrg applies a privacy blur over the screen when the app moves to the background, so patient information is not visible in the multitasking view.
How do I delete my data?
Delete individual patients from within the app, or go to Settings and use Clear All Data to remove everything at once. Uninstalling the app also removes all stored data.
Does my Trust need to approve this app?
Individual NHS Trusts maintain their own policies on which apps can be used on personal devices for clinical work. Confirm that using HelixOrg is compatible with your Trust's BYOD and information governance policy before storing patient data.
Troubleshooting
The app won't open or crashes on launch
Make sure you are running the latest version of HelixOrg from the App Store and that your device is up to date. If the issue persists, try restarting your device. If it still does not resolve, contact us with your device model and iOS version.
Face ID or Touch ID isn't working for app lock
Check that biometric authentication is enabled in your device's system settings. HelixOrg uses the same biometric access as your device, so if Face ID or Touch ID works elsewhere on your phone, it should work in the app.
Contact
For bug reports, feature requests, or anything else, email us at:
We aim to respond within 48 hours.