Men with prostate cancer symptoms will be able to get fast-tracked video appointments with doctors via an upgraded NHS app.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he was determined to make accessing healthcare “as simple as ordering a cab or takeaway”, and ensure those facing long waits are “seen on time again”.
The video service is part of what the government has been describing as a new “online hospital”, which effectively means improvements to the NHS app.
Prostate enlargement and a raised prostate specific antigen level – a possible sign of prostate cancer – are among the first conditions that will be managed when the service launches next year.
Others include women’s health issues such as severe menopausal symptoms and symptoms of endometriosis or fibroids, eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, and patients with iron deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel disease.
Following referral from a GP, they will be able to use the app for a video consultation with doctors across England.
Wes Streeting’s takeaway reference came a day after a pre-watershed ban on TV junk food ads came into force. Pic: PA
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Officials hope it will drive down waiting lists, as people will be able to speak to doctors without leaving their home, though they can choose to wait for in-person appointments if preferred.
Tests, scans, and procedures will continue to take place at sites close to people’s homes, though people can have ongoing monitoring through the app.
Professor Stella Vig, national clinical director for elective care at NHS England, said providing faster and more convenient access to diagnosis and treatments “will have a real and positive impact”.
It’s another step in the government’s efforts to make healthcare more accessible online. Last year, it made it mandatory for all GP surgeries in England to offer online booking.
