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A new NHS online hospital service is set to launch in England in 2027, targeting nine specific medical conditions initially, with an emphasis on menopause, prostate issues, and eye-related ailments. Accessible through the NHS app, this digital service will enable patients to undergo assessments, follow-ups, and check-ups remotely, supported by a dedicated team of specialists. The initiative aims to deliver approximately 8.5 million appointments within its first three years—significantly surpassing the capacity of a typical NHS trust.
The conditions chosen for early focus include glaucoma, retinal disorders like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, inflammatory bowel disease, iron deficiency anaemia, prostate enlargement, elevated PSA levels not indicative of cancer, menopause, and menstrual problems potentially signaling endometriosis. NHS England has indicated that this list may expand in the future. Importantly, patients will not be required to use the online hospital exclusively; traditional face-to-face consultations will remain an option.
Patients referred by their GPs for specialist care can access the service, which does not rely on physical locations but connects them to medical experts nationwide via the NHS app. Any necessary tests, imaging, or procedures will still occur at healthcare facilities near the patient’s residence, while clinicians will review results remotely. The government and NHS officials hope the model will enhance access to care, reduce pressure on in-person services, and help shorten waiting lists.
However, some questions persist regarding how the initiative will be staffed and funded. Professor Stella Vig, NHS England’s head of elective care, highlighted that this represents a significant change in healthcare delivery, offering patients faster access to specialists anywhere in England. She noted, “We know that these conditions can be painful and difficult to cope with so providing faster, more convenient access to diagnosis and treatments will have a real and positive impact on people’s lives.” Experts noted that while similar pilot programs—such as virtual follow-ups for inflammatory bowel disease at University Hospital Southampton and eye referral management at Moorfields Eye Hospital—have already demonstrated benefits like reduced waiting times and more appropriate patient care, the full implementation of the online hospital service raises concerns about IT interoperability and resource allocation. Dr Becks Fisher of the Nuffield Trust observed that focusing on menopause and menstrual health is sensible given existing service backlogs, but emphasized that “tricky questions remain,” including the challenges posed by NHS IT infrastructure and staffing arrangements
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