NHS News
Waiting time updates, patient choice guidance, and NHS policy changes, written by a practising NHS GP.
New NHS Plan to Cut Heart Disease Deaths by 25 Percent in a Decade
The government launched its Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework on 7 July 2026, aiming to reduce premature heart and stroke deaths by a quarter over ten years.
NHS Ends Late Appointment Letters with New 3-Week Notice Rule
From July 2026, NHS patients must receive at least three weeks' notice before a scheduled appointment, ending years of letters arriving after the appointment date had passed.
NICE Approves Two Endometriosis Tests for NHS - No Surgery Needed
NICE has approved EndoSure and Endotest for NHS use in England, offering non-invasive endometriosis diagnosis for the first time. Average diagnosis has taken over nine years.
NHS Consultants Win Strike Mandate - No Dates Yet, Act Now
75.8% of NHS consultants in England voted yes on 6 July 2026, giving the BMA a 12-month strike mandate. No dates are set yet - the window to switch trust is open now.
Amos Review Finds Systemic Failings in NHS Maternity Care
Baroness Amos's review, published 30 June 2026, found avoidable harm across 12 NHS trusts. The government pledged £41m and a new maternity commissioner in response.
Consultant Strike Ballot Closes 6 July - Act Before Disruption
The BMA ballot of NHS consultants and SAS doctors in England closes 6 July 2026. A yes vote triggers strikes that would cancel elective operations and outpatient appointments.
Health Bill Abolishes NHS England - What It Means for Patients
The Health Bill introduced in May 2026 will abolish NHS England. Patient choice and Right to Choose rights are preserved and enforcement is strengthened.
500,000 NHS Staff Get AI Tools to Free Up Time for Patients
NHS England is rolling out Microsoft Copilot to 505,000 clinical and support staff by October 2026, with trials showing staff could save up to 2 days per month on admin.
NHS Consultants Ballot for Strikes as Resident Doctors Settle
While resident doctors accepted their pay deal on 29 June, a separate BMA ballot of NHS consultants and SAS doctors closes 6 July 2026 and could trigger fresh strikes.
Resident Doctors End Three-Year Strike Dispute with Pay Vote
53% of BMA resident doctors voted to accept a 6.6% pay deal on 29 June, ending 15 rounds of strikes that cost the NHS over £1bn and disrupted patient care since 2023.
NHS Online Trust Opens for Eye and Gynaecology Patients in 2027
A new NHS virtual hospital will offer online specialist care for ophthalmology and gynaecology from 2027, targeting 1.9 million patients currently on waiting lists.
NHS Waits at Risk as BMA Members Vote on Pay Deal
Resident doctors vote on a 6.6% pay offer until 26 June. A rejection triggers July strikes that could extend NHS elective waiting times further.
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