NHS Online Digital Hospital Set To Launch Across England In 2027

NHS England has announced plans to introduce NHS Online, a digital-only hospital service, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise healthcare delivery in England. The initiative forms a key component of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to transition the NHS from analogue to digital care.

The NHS Online service is scheduled to begin operating in 2027 and is designed to allow patients referred by GPs to consult with hospital specialists remotely. According to NHS England, this approach will enable consultations to take place via phone or video, reducing the need for in-person hospital visits.

At launch, NHS Online will focus on nine frequently treated conditions, including menopause, menstrual disorders, prostate issues, and several eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Patients will use the NHS App for triage, book diagnostic scans at community centres, and manage prescriptions and medical advice remotely.

The service will build on digital tools already in use across the NHS, such as artificial intelligence, remote monitoring, and virtual outpatient pathways. NHS England stated that these existing innovations will provide the foundation for the expanded digital offering.

What the numbers show

• NHS England projects up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in the first three years of NHS Online
• This figure is about four times the outpatient activity of an average NHS trust
• The NHS App currently has over 12 million monthly users, with further expansion planned

The Guardian reported that the NHS App, which will serve as the primary access point for NHS Online, already has a user base exceeding 12 million each month. NHS England plans to expand the app’s capabilities to support the new digital hospital functions.

The government has stated that NHS Online is intended to reduce patient waiting lists and improve convenience by enabling remote access to specialist care. This is expected to streamline the process for patients who require consultations for the selected conditions.

Patients using NHS Online will be able to manage several aspects of their care without visiting a hospital. These include booking diagnostic tests, receiving prescriptions, and obtaining medical advice, all coordinated through digital platforms.

NHS England has indicated that the digital hospital will operate alongside existing NHS services, providing an additional option for patients. The service is positioned as part of a broader strategy to increase the use of digital technology within the NHS over the next decade.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.