Overview
- Initial focus includes menopause and menstrual problems that may indicate endometriosis or fibroids, plus prostate enlargement and raised PSA, alongside glaucoma, medical retina including AMD, cataracts, inflammatory bowel disease, and iron deficiency anaemia.
- Patients will be offered the option at GP referral to book video consultations via the NHS App, with face-to-face care remaining available and all tests, scans, and procedures carried out locally.
- NHS England expects up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in the first three years once patients begin using the service in 2027.
- Officials say the model is designed to cut waiting lists and reduce postcode inequalities, with Healthwatch noting 1.9 million people are on waiting lists across the covered specialties and long delays in ophthalmology.
- Patient groups and policy experts back the access gains but urge clear routes to condition-specific specialists and support for those at risk of digital exclusion, as the rollout builds on pilots at Moorfields and Southampton that have shortened waits.