NHS England is set to launch NHS Online, an initiative often referred to as the “online hospital,” in 2027. This significant digital reform aims to fundamentally change specialist care access across England by connecting patients with clinicians remotely via the NHS App, with the core goal of reducing traditional waiting times. Formally announced in September 2025, NHS Online is a central government commitment and a core part of the NHS’s digital transformation, positioning virtual care alongside existing in-person services.
The service is designed as a hybrid model. Patients will first be triaged digitally via the NHS App. Following this, they can consult specialists through video appointments and be monitored from home. Physical examinations, tests, and necessary procedures will continue to be conducted at local facilities.
Initially, NHS Online will focus on nine priority conditions chosen for their prevalence and suitability for digital pathways. These include high-demand areas like severe menopause symptoms and menstrual problems for women, prostate enlargement and raised PSA levels for men, and common chronic conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and iron deficiency anaemia. This digital shift promises faster access to expert care, particularly for menopause and prostate issues, which currently face significant delays in conventional referral models.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has championed NHS Online as a revolution in access to care, emphasising that remote consultations will supplement rather than supplant traditional care, with patients retaining the option for in-person appointments at local hubs. NHS England estimates the service could deliver up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years. This substantial increase in capacity is expected to significantly reduce waiting lists, drawing on successful local pilots in fields like ophthalmology. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has welcomed the focus on women’s health but stressed the critical need for adequate resources, staffing, and training to ensure digital pathways effectively complement face-to-face services.
While broadly welcomed, experts caution that this digital transformation requires matching investment in workforce training, seamless integration with existing systems, and careful evaluation. The imperative is to ensure equitable access and prevent the initiative from exacerbating health inequalities for individuals who are less digitally connected. The development of NHS Online will be closely monitored throughout 2026 as it holds the potential to serve as a blueprint for expanding high-quality healthcare access across England.
