Need to know
- NHS bosses have confirmed a major digital shake-up that could affect millions of patients across England from 2027.
- The health service will launch NHS Online through the NHS App, giving people the option to receive planned care digitally. According to the NHS, this will “connect people with specialist clinicians across the country – helping them get care sooner.”
- The Online NHS Trust was set up earlier this week to make it “simpler and faster for people to get the safe NHS care they need”. The service will be completely optional, with traditional face-to-face appointments remaining available.
- Patients will be able to access digital prescriptions, online consultations, and book tests and treatments through the app. The system aims to cut waiting times and improve access to NHS services.
- The rollout will initially focus on conditions with long waiting lists where digital care has proven effective. These include menopause, prostate conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, cataracts and glaucoma.
- The digital revolution promises to transform how millions access healthcare without always needing to travel to appointments.
- New services being developed will, according to NHS bosses, make it easier for people to access NHS services, reduce waiting times, and improve access to care.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Major NHS change confirmed from 2027
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