Patients will be encouraged to use an NHS app to book treatments in private hospitals in an attempt by Rishi Sunak to cut down on waiting times. More than 7.3 million people are now on NHS waiting lists in England, up from 4.4 million before the pandemic. The Prime Minister is expected, in the coming weeks, to launch an initiative promoting patient choice with the NHS app at its focus. Ministers hope the app will help patients shop around for private companies offering potentially shorter waiting times. In March, the company issued an apology on social media, saying: “We’re currently experiencing high volumes making waiting times longer than usual.

Source: The Times May 22, 2023 01:49 UTC