The Government's 10 Year Plan for the NHS wants patients to make much more use of digital solutions, including the NHS App.
As part of this, the Department of Health wants to set up a virtual hospital, offering patients the choice of an outpatient appointment with a consultant anywhere in England, starting from 2027. This would begin with some conditions in ophthalmology, gynaecology, gastroenterology and urology. If x-rays or other tests are needed, these would be booked by the patient at a local centre. Patients will be able to manage all their appointments on the NHS App, as well as getting prescriptions and more information to help with their condition.
Healthwatch Southend is the independent voice of Southend residents who use or may use NHS and social care services. We are not part of the NHS or Southend City Council. We use your experiences to push for improvements in the services you and your families receive.
We've been asked for our views about NHS Online, so we'd like to know what you think. After all, you are the people who might use it.