Sky News has reported on a report in The Times that patients will soon be able to use the NHS app to opt for private hospital treatment in an effort to cut waiting times. The NHS waiting list for routine treatment stands at more than seven million and is predicted to keep rising until next spring.
Both of the main political parties are relying on more people choosing to pay for private care to bring down waiting times and free up the NHS. A report in The Times said that only 28 NHS hospitals currently allow patients to manage appointments via the app, although this is expected to be expanded, which is when the private hospital option will be offered for the first time.
A Whitehall source cited by the newspaper said: “There is definitely scope for that.
Full story on Sky News, 22 May 2023
