A pilot of the Connected Health Network model at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust is using video call functionality to bring specialist rheumatology input into primary care, with the ambition of reducing “unnecessary referrals to secondary care”.
The model includes a GP with a special interest in rheumatology and dermatology triaging patients; a lead consultant joining the last part of the clinic by video call to discuss and advise on investigations, management and referrals; and direct access for patients to physiotherapy, weight loss programmes, social prescribing, and mental health support.
According to the trust, the service currently receives around 200 new patients per year, receiving referrals from GPs and physios as well as supporting existing patients in secondary care. Referral rates from Meridian PCN to hospital have fallen by 75 percent, and the pilot has now been included in the Getting It Right First Time workspace on the Futures collaboration platform.
Meridian PCN’s Doria Bouzebra and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole consultant rheumatologist Tim Gillott, have been leading on the project. Bouzebra said: “In addition to helping reduce secondary care waiting lists, we’ve achieved our initial aims of eliminating addictive drug prescribing and implementing a robust, community fibromyalgia pathway that keeps patients out of hospital settings, while providing more holistic and effective management of their condition.”
Alex Afifi, senior project manager for patient services, highlighted the “well deserved recognition” for the work of those involved in the project, adding: “It’s a really good example of a neighbourhood/community interface service with collaborative multidisciplinary working. Patients don’t have to attend the hospital, so it’s less stressful for the patient and they’re seen quicker. Primary care also have access to a much wider range of support services which we don’t have in secondary care.”
Wider trend: Virtual care
NHS Scotland has issued a prior information notice outlining its intent to explore options for a “multi-channel” remote health monitoring and communication solution, with a contract notice expected in July 2026. Seeking to conduct a “soft market test” to gain a better understanding of current market capabilities, continuity of key services, approaches for migration, and indicative costs; NHS Scotland is asking potential suppliers to complete a market research questionnaire by 25 May, 2026.
NHS England has published a preliminary market engagement notice seeking to explore the feasibility of establishing end-t0-end diagnostic testing pathways for the NHS Online virtual hospital service. The notice outlines NHS England’s intent to use information gathered from the engagement to inform the future commercial and sourcing strategy for diagnostic access, looking at the provider capabilities, digital maturity, and interoperability required to support digital test ordering, appointment booking, and digital notification of results.
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has set out its target operating model for virtual care, looking to build on existing success and introduce a unified digital approach to support “more predictable” waits, improved risk identification, and smoother patient flow. According to the trust, the new model will offer more consistency in clinical assessment for patients, expanded alternatives to ED conveyance, improved partnership working through more accurate referrals and shared records, and standardisation across tools, digital integration, and clinical escalation or advice points to support staff.
