Online hospital could transform the way many patients receive care

Responding to the prime minister’s announcement of plans for a new digital service, NHS Online, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said:

"The online hospital could be a very significant development, transforming the way many patients receive their care.

The way the NHS provides outpatients services hasn’t changed much for decades, but during Covid we learned a lot about opportunities for new approaches using digital technology.

"It’s sensible they are taking the time to plan this properly because there are a lot of factors to consider.

"These include the handling of patient data and the need to avoid 'digital exclusion' of people who can’t access the service.

"It’s important there’s new funding and it will be an NHS organisation with NHS staff.

"This is a bold, exciting initiative, but the benefits should not come at the cost of destabilising vital services patients will continue to rely on."