NHS to launch virtual ‘online hospital’ by 2027

A fully digital ‘online hospital’ will be launched by the NHS in England in a bid to improve access and transform how healthcare is delivered.

Under the plans, outlined by Sir Kier Starmer at the Labour Party annual conference, NHS Online will begin connecting patients to clinicians remotely from 2027. Patients referred by their GP will be able to book specialist appointments through the NHS App and see clinicians virtually from anywhere in the country. Scans, tests and any procedures required will be arranged at community diagnostic centres closer to patients’ homes, while prescriptions and condition management will be accessible online.

NHS England (NHSE) said the initiative could deliver the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years – four times more than an average trust – while giving patients greater choice and control over their care.

Initially, the focus will be on a small number of planned treatment areas with the longest waiting times. The project is part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to shift the health service from analogue to digital by scaling up existing innovations such as AI and remote monitoring. NHSE said the programme is being designed in partnership with patients and will incorporate lessons from five years of research into patient experience of online care.

The service aims to reduce variation and inequality in access to hospital care by connecting patients with specialists nationwide and spreading demand more evenly. NHSE and the Department of Health and Social Care will work with clinicians and union representatives on delivery, with doctors promised greater flexibility in managing their workloads.

NHSE chief executive Sir 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.’

The move has been widely welcomed, though stakeholders cautioned that it will take time to embed and must avoid worsening existing health inequalities through digital exclusion.

Jacob Lant, CEO of National Voices, said the new service would be integrated with physical services, but that the NHS would need to be live to the risk of digital exclusion. ‘But, get this right,’ he added, ‘and it could unlock vital extra capacity that benefits all patients.’

Rachel Power, chief executive of The Patient’s Association, said: ‘NHS Online is a promising step towards enhancing accessible care and shorter waits for digitally confident patients. This model has real potential to cut waiting times and connect patients with expert care more quickly.’

However, as they currently stand, the plans are lacking in detail and some have warned the timeframe could prove challenging.

Clive Makombera, head of NHS at RSM UK said: ‘Investment in dedicated doctors and clinical teams will be essential, as well as the digital technology required to deliver the online services. There will also be the added challenge of encouraging sceptical patients to put faith in virtual assessments and consultations over face-to-face interventions.

Tom Whicher, CEO, 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. I’m keen to ensure that we’re bold and ambitious, but that we aren’t distracted by shiny projects at the expense of proven technologies that are already available to roll out.’