The government has announced plans to roll out a nationwide online hospital service in England within the next two years, aiming to ease pressure on waiting lists. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to unveil the initiative at the Labour Party’s annual conference, describing it as part of a “new world” for healthcare. The new NHS Online platform will employ its own doctors, who will manage patients choosing to access care virtually. Routine consultations, assessments, and follow-up appointments will all be handled digitally.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he was “really excited” about the project, highlighting that pilot schemes have already delivered results at hospitals such as University Hospital Southampton and Moorfields. Through the NHS app, patients will also be able to book scans, tests, and procedures at local diagnostic centres. Officials believe the service could eventually provide up to 8.5 million appointments in its first three years, significantly increasing capacity compared with an average NHS trust.

The programme will initially target specialities where patients often need monitoring rather than inpatient treatment, such as eye care, gynaecology, and digestive conditions. NHS leaders have stressed that safety will remain a priority and only appropriate areas will be included. Examples from earlier pilots showed improved efficiency, including a 58% reduction in waiting times for some patients.

While many experts have welcomed the modernisation, others have raised concerns about staffing, digital access, and data security. The British Medical Association has also warned of risks linked to broader online booking systems. Ministers insist, however, that the digital shift will free up face-to-face capacity and help the NHS keep pace with modern patient needs.