The NHS app is set to become a digital gateway for faster prostate cancer diagnoses as part of a major government push to create an accessible "online hospital". From next year, men experiencing symptoms will be able to secure rapid video consultations with specialists directly through the platform.
Fast-Track to Care via Video Link
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared his ambition to make accessing healthcare "as simple as ordering a cab or takeaway". The upgraded NHS app is central to this vision, designed to ensure patients facing long waits are "seen on time again". Following a referral from their GP, patients across England will be able to use the app for a video consultation, avoiding the need to travel.
The service, launching in 2026, will initially manage conditions where early intervention is critical. Alongside prostate enlargement and raised PSA levels—a potential indicator of prostate cancer—the first wave will include several other key areas:
- Women's health issues, including severe menopausal symptoms, endometriosis, and fibroids.
- Eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
- Iron deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel disease.
Cutting Waiting Lists from Home
Officials hope this digital-first approach will significantly drive down waiting lists by allowing people to speak to doctors without leaving their homes. While patients can opt for traditional in-person appointments if they prefer, the convenience of remote access is expected to speed up the diagnostic pathway for many.
Professor Stella Vig, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England, stated that providing faster and more convenient access to diagnosis and treatments "will have a real and positive impact". It is important to note that physical tests, scans, and procedures will still be conducted at local sites, but ongoing monitoring can be managed through the app.
A Step Towards a Digital NHS
This initiative marks another significant step in the government's efforts to make healthcare more accessible online. It builds on previous moves, such as last year's mandate for all GP surgeries in England to offer online booking. The so-called "online hospital" represents a strategic shift towards integrating digital tools into the core of patient care, aiming to streamline services and reduce pressure on traditional NHS infrastructure.
