As reported by Digital Health, Prime minister Keir Starmer last week announced plans to launch an ‘online hospital’ by 2027, digitally connecting NHS patients in England to expert clinicians
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said the new NHS Online platform aims to deliver millions of additional appointments by the end of the decade, giving patients “a real alternative” and greater control over their care. However, questions remain about how the service will operate in practice – including who will run it, how clinicians will be sourced and how digital exclusion will be addressed to ensure equitable access for all patients.
Tom Whicher, chief executive, DrDoctor said: “I’m fully supportive of any initiative to modernise the NHS and improve access to care. But 2027 isn’t exactly right around the corner, and patients stuck on waiting lists need solutions today. There’s huge potential in tools that we’re already seeing drive results across the system. It’s about how we scale these at speed that matters”.
Kat James, managing director at Consultant Connect, said: “An online NHS hospital service by 2027 is a welcome signal that the government recognises the need to deliver care fit for this day and age, but we cannot afford to wait another two years before patients feel the benefit. The technology and models already exist and are ready to be scaled. Video consultations, virtual triage and even remote emergency rooms are proven to work safely and effectively in other health systems around the world. The ambition is positive, but the real test will be how quickly these services are embedded into frontline practice. Patients and clinicians are ready for the switch – the NHS must be too.”
Mark Gale, policy manager at the national disability charity, Sense, said: “It’s hugely important that any digitalisation of the NHS works for disabled people. Digitisation has the potential to offer new, better ways to support disabled people, particularly around offering better integration with social care. If online offers aren’t accessible, this can have a massive impact on disabled people’s health. Our data found nearly half of disabled people with complex needs find it difficult to book a medical appointment online and one in four say they struggle to ever contact their GP in an accessible way.”
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