NHS App upgrade to give patients more choice over treatment

The Department of Health said the NHS app would allow more patients needing non-urgent treatment to view and manage appointments.

The first step of the plan will come into force in March, when patients at more than 85% of acute trusts will be able to view their appointments on the NHS app.

Reminders would be sent out by hospitals to reduce the number of appointments missed. Diagnostic tests could be booked at specialist centres with the results coming through more quickly.

They will also be able to contact their healthcare provider and receive regular updates, including how long they are likely to wait.

Patients already have the right to choose where they would like their treatment, including in the private sector, but are not always told that. Details of NHS and independent providers will be made clearer through the app.

Some of these features are already available on the NHS app and a website Manage Your Referral. But officials say just 8% of bookings are made through these platforms.

Other plans include expanding a scheme for GPs to discuss some cases with  hospital specialists before making referrals to ensure patients are treated in the right setting.

The current Advice and Guidance Scheme has resulted in 50% of cases being directed to more appropriate care rather than being put on long waiting lists and so reducing pressure on hospitals. These include some ear, nose and throat conditions.

GPs will also be able to refer patients with certain conditions directly for tests or scans without the need to see a consultant first.  The aim is to reduce waiting times and remove those who are given the all clear from waiting lists.