As reported by UK Authority, the NHS is set to launch a new online hospital service next year
The service is aimed at speeding up access to specialist care for patients with common conditions, including menopause symptoms, prostate problems and eye disorders.
Known as NHS Online, the service will allow patients to be triaged through the NHS App, consult specialists via video appointments and receive monitoring at home, reducing the need for hospital visits. Physical examinations and procedures will still take place at local healthcare sites when required.
The service is expected to begin seeing patients in 2027 and deliver up to 8.5 million virtual appointments within its first three years. Initially, it will focus on nine conditions, including severe menopause symptoms, menstrual problems linked to endometriosis or fibroids, prostate enlargement and raised PSA levels, eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, iron deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel disease.
Patients referred by their GP will be able to choose NHS Online for consultations and follow-ups. NHS England said the initiative aims to reduce waiting lists, improve convenience and tackle inequalities in access to care.
Officials stressed the service will complement, not replace, traditional in-person appointments, ensuring patients can still access face-to-face care when needed.
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