Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The British Prime Minister is gearing up to announce the launch of an innovative NHS online hospital service in England within the next two years aimed at reducing waiting times. At the Labour Party annual conference, Sir Keir Starmer will unveil plans for the new digital service, emphasizing a forthcoming “new world.” The concept behind NHS Online involves providing dedicated doctors and nurses who will be responsible for overseeing patients opting to utilize the service, with assessments, consultations with specialists, and follow-up appointments all conducted remotely. Any necessary physical scans or treatments will be scheduled at a local hospital.
Scheduled for implementation starting in 2027, the service will initially target areas with substantial patient populations unlikely to require inpatient care. Focus areas may encompass ophthalmology, gynaecology, and digestive disorders, with specific patients necessitating monitoring and assistance in managing their health conditions identified as prime candidates for the online service. The selection process for eligible patients remains a formidable challenge, as NHS England emphasizes the inclusion of only areas where online service provision is deemed safe within the new offering.
Accessible through the NHS app, the online hospital aims to facilitate up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years, promising a fourfold increase compared to the average NHS trust. Sir Keir will underscore the party’s commitment to enhancing the NHS, beyond merely commemorating its achievements. NHS England’s CEO, Sir Jim Mackey, lauded the initiative as a means to significantly expand appointment options for patients, granting them greater control over their care. The digital innovation aligns with the overarching ethos of the 10-year NHS plan, building upon successful pilot initiatives such as virtual follow-up services for low-risk inflammatory bowel disease at University Hospital Southampton.
Industry experts, including Daniel Elkeles from NHS Providers and Dr. Becks Fisher of the Nuffield Trust think tank, have expressed cautious optimism about the potential impact of the online hospital service. While acknowledging the transformative power of digital technology in reshaping outpatient services, there remain lingering questions surrounding the sourcing of medical personnel for the service, as well as the seamless transition of patients from digital to physical care when necessary. Overall, the success of this digital healthcare experiment hinges on meticulous planning, data security considerations, and equitable access for all patients
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.