NHS England has announced plans to launch an NHS Online hospital, which will use the NHS App to provide virtual care options. The new service aims to triage patients and offer rapid access to specialist clinicians online. If necessary, specialists will arrange local tests for patients.
Endometriosis UK has expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the need for improvements in diagnosing and caring for people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, and heavy menstrual bleeding. According to Endometriosis UK, many individuals have experienced long waits for diagnosis and treatment as well as inconsistent access to specialist care. These delays can negatively affect health and quality of life. The organization believes that with this new approach, there is an opportunity to reduce the average diagnosis time from nearly nine years to one year or less by 2030.
The NHS Online hospital will supplement rather than replace traditional services. Patients will still be able to choose face-to-face appointments when needed. Physical examinations, investigations, or procedures will continue in hospitals or community hubs. The addition of a national online service is expected to give faster access to specialist expertise for those with menstrual health conditions, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more timely treatments.
A national system could connect patients with specialists regardless of their location, offering quicker diagnostics and remote follow-up where suitable. However, Endometriosis UK emphasizes that it is important for the new service to enhance—not limit—access and maintain patient choice in how they receive care.
For the programme’s success, Endometriosis UK notes that proper resources are required: sufficient numbers of trained clinicians nationwide and high-quality diagnostic tests at local centers must be available. Only with these elements can the goal of reducing diagnosis times and improving care quality be met.
Endometriosis UK states its intention to work closely with NHS England as the online service develops in order to ensure meaningful improvements for those affected by menstrual health conditions.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “Endometriosis UK welcomes NHS England’s decision to prioritise menstrual health, including endometriosis, in the new NHS Online hospital. For too long, those with endometriosis have faced unacceptably long waits and uneven access to specialist care. This new initiative has the potential to be a real step forward if it delivers faster diagnosis, quicker access to specialists, and genuine patient choice. We look forward to working with NHS England to ensure the NHS Online Hospital delivers meaningful, long-term improvements for everyone affected by endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions.”
