What’s happened 

NHS England has launched a survey to understand whether clinicians would be interested in providing specialist care through NHS online, a new digital service launching in 2027. 

It is anticipated that interested clinicians will work flexibly, choosing the number of hours per week or month that would suit them. 

The work would sit alongside an individual’s existing NHS role, with clinicians able to choose how much time they wish to contribute.  

A new online service for specialist care 

At this stage NHS England has not announced whether podiatry will form part of the initial rollout.  

NHS online will launch in 2027 as a new online service for specialist care. It will give people in England the option to receive planned care remotely through the NHS App. 

The service is designed to connect patients with specialist clinicians across the country enabling them to access timely care via digital technology without the need to travel. 

Face-to-face appointments within existing services will still be available, but GPs may suggest NHS online as a referral option where they consider this suitable for the patient and their conditions. 

What will NHS online offer? 

It will offer patients: 

• remote triage 

• online consultations 

• advice on managing their condition 

• digital prescriptions for use at local pharmacies 

• access to booking processes for tests, treatments and procedures at locations close to home or work 

Conditions suitable for referral to NHS online 

Initially, NHS online will be used to address conditions where remote care has been shown to be successful, and those which have long waiting lists. These include: 

• eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and medical retina conditions 

• inflammatory bowel disease 

• iron deficiency anaemia 

• prostate conditions 

• menopause and menstrual issues 

It will expand to include other conditions that can be safely managed remotely. 

Why this matters to members 

Although podiatry is not among the specialties included in the first phase, the survey is open to all clinical workforce groups, including allied health professionals.  

For members interested in flexible digital working alongside their existing role, the survey offers an opportunity to express interest and shape how NHS services are delivered.  

What happens next 

All clinical workforce groups have been invited to respond, including allied health professionals.  

It is open until 31 July and will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. All information will be collected anonymously.

Links and references 

• NHS England: NHS online 

• NHS England: NHS online: clinician survey