Patients can now access specialist care for prostate, menopause, or eyesight issues through newly launched NHS Online hospitals. Upon referral from their GP, individuals can engage in video consultations with specialists via the NHS app. This innovation aims to improve the speed of specialist care delivery, reduce waiting lists, and enable patients to consult with doctors nationwide, eliminating the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
During a speech at the Labour conference in September, Keir Starmer heralded the forthcoming changes, emphasizing a transformative shift in healthcare delivery. The initial rollout of the NHS Online service will focus on addressing nine common conditions, including women’s health concerns like severe menopause symptoms and menstrual issues indicating endometriosis or fibroids. Prostate-related conditions such as enlargement and elevated PSA levels, as well as eye ailments like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, will also be covered. Additionally, support will be provided for other conditions like iron deficiency anemia and inflammatory bowel disease.
While tests, scans, and procedures will still be conducted at local healthcare facilities, the new system enables remote review of patient notes by clinicians. Patients retain the choice of face-to-face appointments, ensuring those requiring physical examinations or procedures can access them at hospitals or nearby hubs.
NHS England’s Professor Stella Vig highlighted the significance of faster access to diagnosis and treatment for the identified conditions, emphasizing the positive impact on patients’ lives. Dr. Sue Mann, NHS England’s national clinical director for women’s health, stressed the importance of expedited access to effective treatments for women facing menstrual problems or menopausal symptoms, underscoring the convenience and efficiency of NHS Online consultations.
The NHS App, already available for download on mobile devices, offers various functionalities such as ordering repeat prescriptions, scheduling appointments, and accessing GP health records, enhancing patient convenience and healthcare management.
