Patients will be seen faster from the “comfort of their own home or their desk” thanks to a new NHS online hospital which gives access to specialists around England, the Health Secretary has said.

Wes Streeting told the PA news agency people will be able to use a “virtual hospital” from 2027 to speak to specialists, while those who prefer face-to-face appointments will still be able to have them.

Sir Keir Starmer also mentioned the online shift in his speech at the Labour party conference, saying NHS Online will deliver “millions of appointments” digitally.

Announcing the new service, the Prime Minister said the Government would “never” take away a face-to-face consultation “for those who want it”.

He said: “Think about a single mum juggling kids, trying to find time to speak

See Full Page