The UK's NHS has announced that it is establishing NHS Online, with first patients being able to use the platform in 2027.
This digital hospital service represents a reform to healthcare delivery in England, connecting patients to expert clinicians without requiring a physical site, stated NHS.
Patients referred by their general practitioner (GP) will be able to access specialist care through the NHS App. They can book appointments with clinicians across England from their home.
This approach aims to reduce waiting times and eliminate delays associated with face-to-face appointments. The platform will enable patients to select specialists nationwide.
Furthermore, by connecting patients with specialists nationwide, the service aims to reduce postcode-based care variation and health inequalities whilst distributing demand more evenly.
Over its first three years, NHS Online is expected to deliver the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments — four times the average output of an average NHS trust.
When scans, tests or procedures are required, patients would be able to schedule these at community diagnostic centres at their convenient times and locations. The service will include prescription tracking and remote condition management advice.
The initiative initially will focus on planned treatment areas with extended waiting times, and later expanding to additional specialities where remote delivery is clinically safe.
The 10-Year Health Plan underpins the NHS's shift from analogue to digital healthcare, building on existing innovations including remote monitoring and AI already used by millions of patients, stated NHS England.
Before the launch of the service, the NHS plans to incorporate insights from research conducted over the past five years regarding patient experiences with online care, and use this knowledge to shape and enhance the programme as it evolves.
NHS England and DHSC will collaborate with union representatives and clinical staff on implementation.
Clinicians will also gain scheduling flexibility to better manage time for themselves and patients.
NHS chief executive Jim Mackey said: "This is a huge step forward for the NHS and will deliver millions more appointments by the end of the decade, offering a real alternative for patients and more control over their own care.
"Patients who choose to receive their treatment through the online hospital will benefit from us industrialising the latest technology and innovations, while the increased capacity will help to cut demand and slash waiting times."
