Almost two thirds of NHS consultants say they would be interested in working for the NHS’s new online hospital when the virtual service launches next year, a new poll shows.
Six in ten consultants (60%) said they would be willing to work for NHS Online alongside their current NHS roles—far more than will be needed to run the service. A survey of nearly 300 consultants and specialist doctors found that 48% would be prepared to offer at least four hours a week. Top reasons for signing up included the chance to care for patients in innovative ways, work more flexibly and improve patient experience.
NHS Online, which will start seeing patients next year, is expected to deliver up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years—around four times the volume of an average NHS trust. The service will provide triage through the NHS App and video consultations with specialist clinicians, speeding up access to care by digitally connecting patients with experts across England.
Initially, nine common conditions will be treated by NHS Online, including menopause and prostate problems. The service’s scope has since expanded to include people with recurring urinary tract infections and suspected polycystic ovaries, meaning more patients can benefit when it launches.
Professor Stella Vig, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England and Consultant Surgeon, said: “It’s fantastic to see that consultants and specialist doctors are hugely supportive of the NHS’s new online hospital, with nearly two thirds willing to offer their time for this revolutionary service alongside their current roles. 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. The service will make a real difference to patients’ lives as they’ll be able to choose to use NHS Online and be seen more quickly and conveniently, with many appointments delivered by video or telephone in their own home. We’ve also expanded the list of conditions which NHS Online will treat, so that even more patients will be able to benefit when the service launches next year.”
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. Every day matters when you’re waiting for treatment. This is about using the power of tech to get people diagnosed, treated and back living their lives faster. 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.”
Announced by the Prime Minister in September 2025, NHS Online will not replace traditional care; patients will always have the option of face-to-face appointments. GPs can offer patients NHS Online when making a referral for specialist care. Rather than going to a physical site, patients will receive care through the NHS App from doctors across the country. Tests, scans and procedures will continue to take place at local healthcare sites, while clinicians can triage and review notes remotely, sometimes outside standard hours.
This approach aims to streamline referrals to treatment and follow-up care, free up in-person appointments for those who need them, and help reduce waiting lists. NHS Online supports the Government’s move from analogue to digital set out in the 10 Year Health Plan. The service is being designed with patients, specialist doctors and other experts to meet patient needs, use up-to-date technology, follow best practice and maintain high standards of care. Findings from the consultant survey and further staff engagement will help shape the service.
