Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, flags the high level of support from key clinicians for NHS online hospital plans.
Almost two thirds of NHS consultants are keen to work for the NHS’s online hospital when the service launches next year, a new poll has revealed. Six in ten consultants (60%) said they would be interested in working for NHS Online alongside their current NHS roles – many more than will be needed to run the service. This will see the NHS take a major step forward in delivering on Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s plans to shift care from analogue to digital, and from hospital to community.
Undertaken by NHS England, the survey of nearly 300 consultants and specialist doctors also found that nearly half (48%) would be willing to offer at least four hours a week of their time, with the opportunity to care for patients innovatively, work flexibly and improve patient experience among their top reasons for wanting to sign up.
NHS Online, which will see its first patients next year, is expected to deliver up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years – four times more than an average NHS trust.
Patients needing specialist care will be treated more quickly thanks to the new virtual service, which will transform and modernise the delivery of healthcare by providing triage for patients through the NHS App as well as video consultations with doctors.
The service will speed up specialist care by digitally connecting patients with expert clinicians across England, no matter where they are in the country, providing faster access to treatments.
Professor Stella Vig, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England and Consultant Surgeon, said: “NHS Online will transform the way we deliver planned care, offering patients the choice to have an online appointment with a specialist anywhere in England”.
Health Minister Zubir Ahmed said: “Patients shouldn’t have to wait months or travel miles to get the care they need. By turbocharging the NHS with the latest technology, NHS Online will let people see specialist doctors faster – from the comfort of their own home.
“We’re proud to be cutting waiting times by embracing innovation. It makes the NHS work around patients and also offers new flexible ways of working for staff, all while keeping face-to-face care there for those who need it.”
The author used AI in preparing this article. Comments upon or questions about this article can be addressed to chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com.
