In a major digital transformation for the UK's health service, a new "online hospital" is set to launch next year, initially providing specialist support for nine common health conditions. The initiative, known as NHS Online, was announced last year by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who heralded the arrival of a "new world" in healthcare delivery.
Which Conditions Will Be Covered?
NHS England has confirmed the first nine conditions to be managed through the service when it goes live in 2026. The list focuses on areas with some of the longest waiting times, including several key women's health issues. Patients suffering from severe menopausal symptoms, endometriosis, or fibroids will be able to access support.
For men, the service will cover prostate enlargement and raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a potential indicator of prostate cancer. The initial rollout also includes common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Furthermore, individuals with iron deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel disease may receive help via the new digital platform.
How Will the Digital Service Work?
The core idea is to drive down waiting lists and accelerate care by allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. After a referral from their GP, patients will be given the option to use the NHS app for a video consultation with a consultant anywhere in England, without needing to leave home or wait for a face-to-face appointment.
While the initial consultation and ongoing monitoring can happen digitally, physical tests, scans, and procedures will still be conducted at local sites close to patients' homes. Professor Stella Vig, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England, stated the service represents a "huge shift" in care delivery, offering patients greater choice and convenience.
Leadership Hails a Fundamental Shift
Health Secretary Wes Streeting championed the move, asserting that NHS Online will "make accessing healthcare as simple as ordering a cab or a takeaway." He emphasised that the chosen conditions are associated with lengthy waits and that the service is key to shifting the NHS "from analogue to digital."
Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women's Health, highlighted the particular benefit for women, noting that conditions like endometriosis can affect every aspect of life. "NHS Online will make it easier for women to see a consultant from their own home without having to face a long wait," she said, allowing them to manage their health with less disruption.
The announcement comes as the NHS continues to face significant pressure. Recent data shows the service managed to maintain 94.7% of planned routine care during a five-day strike by resident doctors between 17 and 22 December 2025, despite an average of 19,120 doctors being absent daily. NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey also praised staff for achieving lower hospital bed occupancy over Christmas 2025 compared to the previous year.
Mr Streeting acknowledged the strain of industrial action coupled with a flu wave but reiterated his determination to resolve the ongoing dispute with resident doctors in 2026. "Let’s start with a clean slate and work together to improve working conditions for doctors, cut waiting lists, and build an NHS fit for the future," he said.
