Patients will soon be able to use the NHS app to book private hospital treatment, a move that has been welcomed by the trade body for the medical insurance industry.
The Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries (Amii) says this move should help private healthcare providers reduce NHS waiting lists, utilise the capacity in the sector and support a healthier population.
This announcement comes as it was revealed that the NHS waiting list for routine treatment now stands at more than seven million. This figure is expected to keep rising until next spring.
By making it easier for patients to find and book private treatment instead, the government is hoping to increase the number of people who decide to pay for treatment themselves rather than waiting for NHS care.
There is no date as yet for when this change will be introduced, but a report in The Times says the NHS is looking to update its app to modernise the booking capabilities which will include private healthcare options.
Amii executive chairman Dave Middleton says: “It is pleasing to see steps being taken to support further collaboration between the NHS and the private sector.
“At a time when the NHS is under unrelenting pressure, the government has recognised that making the process easier for patients who are open to private healthcare is a key factor in reducing waiting times for routine treatment.
“I’m looking forward to seeing further details of how it will work in practice for our members.”
