The NHS is planning an “Online Hospital”

What could this mean for you?

The NHS is planning a major change to how some healthcare is delivered in England: a new “online hospital”, known as NHS Online.

Rather than being based in a physical building, NHS Online will connect patients digitally with specialist clinicians from across the country with the first patients expected to use the service from 2027.

The aim is for faster access, more choice, and better use of technology, while keeping care safe and based on NHS values.

How will NHS Online work?

If you see your GP and need specialist care, you may be offered the option to be referred to NHS Online instead of a traditional hospital service.

If you choose this option, you could:

• Book specialist appointments directly through the NHS App

• Speak to specialists online, without travelling or waiting for a face-to-face slot

• Access experts from anywhere in England, not just your local area

If you need a scan, test, or procedure, you would still attend in person — but at a Community Diagnostic Centre closer to home, and at a time that suits you.

You’d also be able to:

• Track prescriptions

• Get advice on managing your condition

• Monitor your care from home using digital tools

Why is the NHS doing this?

The NHS says NHS Online could deliver the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years — around four times more than an average hospital trust.

By connecting patients with available specialists nationwide, the NHS hopes to:

• Reduce long waiting times

• Spread demand more evenly across the system

• Offer the same quality of care regardless of postcode

• Give patients more control over how and when they are seen

  
  

At first, the service will focus on a small number of planned treatment areas with the longest waits, and more services would only be added if it is clinically safe to deliver care remotely.

What about safety, access, and patient experience?

NHS Online is being developed as part of the wider 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to move the NHS from analogue to digital while keeping care personal and safe.

The NHS has said it will:

• Build on existing, proven technology already in use, such as online appointments, AI support, and remote monitoring

• Learn from patient experience of online care over the last five years

• Involve patients in shaping how the service is designed and delivered

There are also potential benefits for staff, with doctors having more flexibility in how they manage their time.

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.”

What do you think?

Digital services can improve access for many people — but they don’t work for everyone. Reliable internet, digital skills, privacy, and personal choice all matter.

We want to hear your views.

• Would you choose online specialist care if it was offered?

• What would make you feel confident using an online hospital?

• What concerns would you have?

  
  

👉 Share your thoughts with us so we can feed local experiences into decision-makers and help ensure new NHS services work for everyone, not just some.

Call: 01635 886210 or Email: contact@healthwatchwestberks.org.uk