How it will work
A new online provider for specialist care
From 2027, the Online NHS Trust will give people in England the option to receive planned care through the NHS App.
It will connect people with specialist clinicians across the country, helping them get care sooner without always needing to travel.
Using the Online NHS Trust is optional. Anyone who prefers in-person appointments will continue to use existing services as usual.
What the Online NHS Trust will offer
When it is the right option for their care, people can use the service to:
- have online consultations
- get advice on managing their condition
- access digital prescriptions for use at local pharmacies
- book tests, treatments and procedures through the NHS App at locations close to home or work
How it will work
Care starts with a primary care consultation. If specialist input is needed, the GP or other practitioner may offer the Online NHS Trust as a referral option, but only when it is suitable for the person and their condition.
If the person chooses the Online NHS Trust, they:
- manage their care through the NHS App
- may answer simple questions about their symptoms online
- have their notes, test results and responses reviewed remotely by a specialist clinician
- receive notifications through the NHS App when action is needed – for example, answering questions, attending an online consultation or booking a test
If a physical examination or procedure is needed, NHS Online will offer these through existing local providers, such as community diagnostic centres or surgical hubs.
Conditions covered first by the Online NHS Trust
The service will start with conditions where evidence already shows digital care works well and current waiting times are long. These will include:
- glaucoma, cataracts and medical retina conditions
- inflammatory bowel disease
- iron deficiency anaemia
- prostate conditions
- menopause and menstrual issues
More conditions will be added over time. Only those that can be safely managed partly or fully online will be included.
Why is the Online NHS Trust being introduced?
The Online NHS Trust is designed to:
- offer more choice and convenience
- provide faster access to specialist care
- reduce waiting times by using specialist teams across England
- free up face-to-face appointments for those who need them most
- support more efficient use of NHS resources
It is expected to deliver up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first 3 years.
Safety and privacy
The Online NHS Trust is designed to be safe and secure. Care will be delivered by NHS clinicians using approved, evidence‑based approaches.
Only staff involved in a person's care can see the information they need. The service uses existing national NHS systems, including the NHS App and NHS login, which meet strict data security and privacy standards. Information is shared with the person's GP in the usual way.
Digital care will never be the only option. The Online NHS Trust is being developed with patients, carers and community groups to make sure it is accessible and inclusive.