The NHS is set to revolutionise healthcare delivery in England with the launch of NHS Online, a fully digital hospital model that will connect patients to expert clinicians across the country – without the need for a physical site.
Launching in 2027, NHS Online will allow patients to access specialist care, book scans, manage prescriptions, and receive clinical advice from the comfort of their homes via the NHS App. The initiative is part of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan to shift the NHS from analogue to digital, embracing innovation while staying true to NHS values.
Patients referred by their GP will be able to book specialist appointments directly through the NHS App, bypassing long local waiting lists. If scans or procedures are needed, they can be scheduled at Community Diagnostic Centres closer to home, offering greater convenience and faster access.
NHS Online is expected to deliver up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years – four times more than an average NHS trust – while improving patient choice and reducing regional inequalities.
The service will initially focus on planned treatment areas with the longest waits, expanding over time as clinically safe. It will build on existing innovations such as AI diagnostics and remote monitoring, already used by millions of patients across England.
Doctors will benefit from greater flexibility, managing their time more effectively while maintaining high standards of care. NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care will work closely with clinical staff and unions to ensure smooth implementation.
Sir Jim Mackey, NHS Chief Executive, 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 NHS can, must and will move forward to match other sectors in offering digital services that make services as personalised, convenient, and flexible as possible for both staff and patients.”
By connecting patients with specialists nationwide, NHS Online will help eliminate postcode-based disparities in care. It will also spread demand more evenly across the system, ensuring timely access to treatment regardless of location.
The programme is being developed with a strong commitment to patient partnership, incorporating insights from five years of research into online care experiences. A formal call for evidence will be launched to shape the service design and ensure it meets the needs of all users.
NHS Online represents a bold step forward in digital healthcare, promising faster, fairer, and more personalised care for patients across England.
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