The UK’s National Health Service has selected menopause and menstrual problems among nine conditions that will be prioritized when its new online hospital service launches in 2027.
NHS Online will allow patients to receive specialist care through the NHS App via video consultations, with GPs able to refer patients directly to specialists anywhere in England. The service is expected to deliver the equivalent of up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years.
Women’s health conditions covered by the service will include severe menopause symptoms and menstrual problems that may indicate endometriosis or fibroids. Prostate conditions, eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma, iron deficiency anaemia, and inflammatory bowel disease will also be available for online referrals.
“Menstrual problems, that can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, or menopause symptoms can affect every part of a woman’s life, so it’s essential that the NHS provides better access to effective treatments more quickly,” said Dr. Sue Mann, National Clinical Director in Women’s Health at NHS England. “NHS Online will make it easier for women to see a consultant from their own home without having to face a long wait for an in-person appointment, meaning they can get on with their daily lives.”
Tests, scans, and procedures will continue to take place at healthcare sites, while clinicians review patient notes remotely. Patients will retain the option of in-person appointments.
Professor Stella Vig, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England, said: “We’ve selected nine common conditions which the NHS Online service will initially provide support for when it launches next year, including some women’s health issues as well as prostate problems. We know that these conditions can be painful and difficult to cope with so providing faster, more convenient access to diagnosis and treatments will have a real and positive impact on people’s lives.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the initiative is part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to shift the NHS “from analogue to digital.”
