NHS Online Trust Opens for Eye and Gynaecology Patients in 2027

A new NHS Online hospital trust has been formally established and will begin accepting GP referrals in 2027, with initial services covering ophthalmology - including glaucoma, cataracts, and medical retina conditions - and gynaecology, including menopause and menstrual disorders. The combined waiting list across these areas currently includes more than 1.9 million patients in England. NHS Online will operate as a fully registered NHS trust, allowing GPs to refer patients through the NHS e-Referral Service in the same way they refer to any other hospital. Patients book appointments through the NHS App and consult with specialists online. Where diagnostic tests are needed, patients attend a nearby Community Diagnostic Centre. NHS England projects the service will deliver the equivalent of 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years.

What the Pilot Data Shows

NHS England published results from early digital care pilots ahead of the trust's formal establishment. At University Hospital Southampton, shifting to virtual-first care cut waiting times by 58% and reduced consultant-led outpatient appointments by 73%. At Moorfields Eye Hospital, referral processing time fell from 11 hours to 2 hours, and 58% of urgent referrals were safely downgraded after remote triage. At Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust, 99% of referrals were triaged within 48 hours and 82% of patients were discharged without needing a face-to-face appointment. NHS CEO Sir Jim Mackey described the launch as "a huge step forward" offering patients "a real alternative" and "more control over their own care."

What This Means for Patients

For patients waiting for ophthalmology or gynaecology care, NHS Online will be an additional Right to Choose option from 2027. If your current wait is long, you will be able to ask your GP to re-refer you to NHS Online instead of waiting at your current trust. The service is free on the NHS with no extra charges. Patients who cannot travel or who find clinic appointments difficult to schedule may find virtual care particularly useful. You can read more about using patient choice to reduce your wait on the NHS Right to Choose page.

How to Find a Shorter Wait Now

NHS Online is not yet accepting referrals. If you are waiting for ophthalmology or gynaecology treatment today, you can compare ophthalmology waiting times or gynaecology waiting times across NHS trusts near you to find a provider treating patients sooner.