The National Health Service has announced the first set of medical conditions that will be eligible for fast-track video consultations via an upgraded NHS app, marking a significant step in the creation of a government-proposed "online hospital". The service is scheduled to launch next year.
First Conditions for Digital Consultations
When the new video service goes live, patients across England will be able to access it for a specific range of health issues following a referral from their GP. The initial conditions include symptoms of prostate enlargement and a raised prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, which can be a potential indicator of prostate cancer.
For women, the service will manage severe menopausal symptoms, as well as signs of endometriosis or fibroids. Other eligible problems encompass common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The list is completed by iron deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel disease.
A Push for Accessibility and Reduced Waits
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated his determination to make accessing healthcare "as simple as ordering a cab or takeaway". The initiative is a core part of efforts to ensure people facing long delays for treatment are "seen on time again". Officials believe the convenience of speaking to a doctor from home will help drive down the NHS's substantial waiting lists, though patients can still opt for traditional in-person appointments if they prefer.
Professor Stella Vig, the national clinical director for elective care at NHS England, emphasised that providing faster and more convenient routes to diagnosis and treatment "will have a real and positive impact" on patient care.
The "Online Hospital" Takes Shape
This move represents another phase in the government's plan to increase the accessibility of healthcare through digital means. The so-called "online hospital" is effectively a suite of improvements to the existing NHS app. While tests, scans, and procedures will continue to be conducted at local medical sites, patients will be able to have ongoing monitoring managed through the app.
This development follows last year's policy, which made it mandatory for all GP surgeries in England to offer online appointment booking. The video consultation feature, set for 2026, is designed to build on that digital foundation, creating a more integrated and flexible healthcare system for the future.
