A MAJOR shake up to the NHS app will allow patients to shop around for hospitals with the shortest waiting lists.
Brits will soon be able to choose what hospital they visit in a move to evenly distribute cases and reduce backlogs.
The changes are expected to come into force by next April as part of renewed efforts to ensure people are getting seen faster by doctors, the Times reports.
Steve Barclay, the health secretary, is hoping to provide “real-time data” to patients' phones so they can make a better informed decision over where to get quicker treatment.
Data shows that the number of people desperately turning to private options are climbing as more than 6.7 million people wait on lists for non-urgent procedures such as hip replacements and cataract removals.
In a memo, Barclay told the NHS to ensure that GPs give “a meaningful choice offer for patients at the point of referral, which can also be used during any long wait for care".
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It will rely on "real-time data on waiting times broken down by providers" which will be presented on the app.
This is touted to “guide patients to where capacity is available, while being mindful of patient choice”, the memo said.
Patients who have been waiting a year-and-a-half are being asked if they would travel around the country for care.
In its research, the Patients Association found more than three months could be cut from wait times by travelling around 13 miles.
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It comes as recent reports found that A&E waits of more than 12 hours almost doubled to a million last year, causing concern over hospital patients needlessly dying.
Doctors have warned more lives will be lost as the record delays worsen.
Figures also recently revealed 992,161 waits in casualty of a half-day or more.
The previous high was 522,720 in 2019 -it fell to 303,000 in 2020 due to Covid.
Medics say record waits in ambulances and full hospital wards will see the “grim” figures worsen without action.
The NHS app was downloaded by millions of people during the pandemic in order to present vaccination certificates.
Brits who use the NHS app have access to a range of different functions.
You can view your Covid pass, for travel and events, view messages from your GP and access your health records.
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This includes any allergies and adverse reactions you might have had, along with medicines you have been prescribed.
You can also order a prescription through the service.
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