NHS England reports 7.40 million Patients waiting for treatment as of October 2025, up from 7.39 million the previous month. Which means that if you call your GP today needing routine care, you’re joining a queue of over 6 million people. The median wait time? 13.4 weeks. That’s over three months before you even start treatment.
Can you wait this long for a hospital treatment?
A mother didn’t have 13 weeks. When her son developed severe tonsillitis on a Saturday evening. Tonsillitis is a common infection in children, during which the tonsils swell and become painful, making it hard to swallow and causing a fever. It’s usually caused by a virus or bacteria.
However, she remembered his friend who’d ended up hospitalised after an untreated tonsillitis turned serious. Her local GP surgery wouldn’t open until Monday. A&E meant hours of waiting with a child in pain.
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She tried the virtual healthcare service offered by her employer. Within an hour, a doctor had video-called, examined photos of her son’s throat through the app, and recommended antibiotics. By Sunday afternoon, her son had taken his first dose from a local chemist. He was back at school within days instead of suffering through a week waiting for a GP appointment—or worse, ending up in hospital.
This is what online GP services offer patients affected by NHS delays. In this article, we’ll explore why NHS waiting times continue to rise, what conditions online doctors can safely treat, and how these services help preserve NHS resources for those who need them most.
Why NHS Waiting Times Continue to Rise
The NHS constitution guarantees patients the right to start treatment within 18 weeks of GP referral. However, this target hasn’t been met since 2016. Currently, less than 60% of patients receive treatment within this timeframe. Here are the reasons
1. Backlog of care from the COVID‑era and past delays
When the pandemic hit, hospitals were forced to pause thousands of routine appointments and elective surgeries to handle the surge of COVID patients. But the real problem wasn’t just the pause; it was what happened after. Many people delayed seeking care during lockdowns, either from fear of contracting the virus or reluctance to burden an overwhelmed system. These delayed presentations have now resulted in more complex, time-intensive cases that require longer treatment. Despite efforts to clear the backlog, the system has never fully recovered.
2. Sustained high demand for services
The demand for NHS care continues to grow faster than the system can keep up. This is due to factors such as an ageing population, rising rates of chronic health conditions, birth rates, lifestyle changes, technological advances, and increased public awareness, which have driven the number to an all-time high. The number of people attending both emergency and planned care appointments continues to rise, leading to more patients joining waiting lists.
3. Staffing Shortages
There’s a staffing crisis in the NHS with no end in sight. Recruitment from overseas, a key source of NHS staff, has dropped sharply in 2025, compounding workforce pressures and slowing services. Before Brexit, Health professionals from any EU country could migrate to the UK and start working almost immediately, as there were no visa requirements or a lengthy application process for EU Citizens. But with Brexit, EU nationals must undergo the visa application process like other overseas professionals, which adds complexity, cost, and time, and consequently leads to staff shortages.
4. Lack of funding
According to The King’s Fund, the total NHS spending in England in 2024/25 is expected to be approximately. £204.9 billion. On paper, this sounds like a substantial sum. However, when you consider the scope of services it must cover—from routine GP appointments to complex cancer treatments, emergency care, mental health services, outpatient appointments and everything in between—the budget becomes stretched thin.
The funding challenges began after the 2008 financial crisis, when the government implemented austerity measures to reduce public sector spending. Healthcare budgets were significantly constrained during this period. While NHS funding has increased since then, it has barely kept pace with inflation.
When you factor in rising costs for staff salaries, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals, real-term spending growth has been minimal. Without adequate funding, delivering care becomes difficult, leading to longer waiting times, reduced capacity for elective treatments, and increased pressure on the emergency department.
How Online GP Services Offer Faster Access to Care
Unlike traditional NHS pathways, where you might wait weeks for an appointment, online consultations like AskA Doctor connect you with qualified doctors in minutes, often within 30 seconds.
Immediate Triage and Advice
The primary advantage is speed. Triage is the process by which medical professionals assess the urgency of your condition and the level of care you need. It helps determine whether you need emergency treatment, a routine appointment, or simple self-care at home.
When you experience symptoms or health concerns, you no longer need to wait longer for a GP appointment just to determine if your condition requires urgent attention. Online doctors can quickly assess your symptoms, provide medical advice, and recommend the appropriate next steps, whether that’s self-care or an urgent referral to A&E.
Reducing Unnecessary NHS Visits
Many people visit A&E or book GP appointments for issues that could be managed with professional guidance alone. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms warrant a hospital visit, online consultations provide reassurance and treatment plans without adding to NHS queues. This frees up NHS resources for patients who genuinely need face-to-face examination or emergency intervention.
24/7 Availability
Unlike traditional GP’s with limited operating hours, online doctor services are available around the clock. You no longer need to choose between taking time off work for a daytime appointment or waiting until your condition worsens. Evening and weekend access means you can address health concerns promptly, potentially preventing more serious complications.
Conditions You Can Safely Treat Through an Online Doctor
Online doctor consultations are ideal for many non-emergency health issues that don’t require a physical examination. Here are the main conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated via online GP services:
1. Respiratory Issues (Colds, Flu, and Allergies)
- Symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, cough, mild fever, sneezing, itchy eyes
- Treatment: Online doctors can recommend over-the-counter medications and antihistamines, and advise on rest, hydration, and symptom management at home
2. Skin Conditions
- Symptoms: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, fungal infections
- Treatment: Doctors can diagnose based on photos and symptoms, recommending creams, ointments, or oral medications as needed
3. Mental Health Concerns
- Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia
- Treatment: Online doctors can recommend antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, offer initial therapy support, and provide specialist referrals
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Symptoms: Painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Treatment: Doctors can recommend antibiotics and provide guidance on at-home care to prevent complications
5. Sexual Health
- Symptoms: STI concerns (unusual discharge, sores, burning), contraception needs, family planning questions
- Treatment: Confidential consultations for STI testing advice, treatment recommendations, contraception guidance, and sexual health support
6. Chronic Condition Management
- Symptoms: Ongoing issues with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other diagnosed conditions
- Treatment: Medication renewals, symptom monitoring, and treatment adjustments between regular specialist appointments
What Cannot Be Treated Online?
Online doctors cannot handle emergencies or procedures that require physical examination. Chest pain, severe injuries, difficulty breathing, sudden vision loss, or signs of stroke require immediate A&E attention. Blood tests, X-rays, and hands-on examinations require in-person visits.
Why Choosing AskADoctor Helps Reduce NHS Pressure
With NHS waiting lists at 7.4 million people and median wait times of 13.4 weeks, patients are turning to alternatives for non-emergency health concerns. AskADoctor, powered by Abi Global Health, offers a complementary service that can help reduce strain on overwhelmed NHS resources.
Fast Access When You Need It
AskADoctor connects you with doctors in minutes, with most consultations starting within 30 seconds. For £9 (text consultation) or £25 (video consultation), you can get professional medical advice for straightforward issues without adding to NHS appointment backlogs. If you can afford this small cost, you’re freeing up NHS GP slots for patients with complex conditions requiring face-to-face examination, including those who don’t have £9 to spare and depend entirely on the NHS.
Available 24/7
AskADoctor operates around the clock. You no longer need to choose between waiting days for an NHS appointment or heading to A&E for non-emergency concerns. Evening and weekend access means you can address health issues promptly, catching problems early before they worsen and require more intensive NHS intervention later.
Acting as First-Line Triage
AskADoctor helps you determine whether your symptoms need urgent NHS care or can be managed at home. This prevents unnecessary A&E visits and ensures NHS emergency services focus on genuine emergencies.
When online doctors assess that you need in-person care, they direct you to the appropriate NHS service. By using this service responsibly, you’re helping maintain a health system that’s there for everyone when they truly need it.
Complementary Approach
AskADoctor isn’t replacing the NHS. It handles overflow appropriately, freeing up secondary care resources for patients who require physical examinations, diagnostic tests, or specialist hospital treatment. Choosing this service for appropriate health concerns helps sustain a healthcare system that serves millions who have no other option.
What to Expect From a Secure Online Consultation
Here’s exactly what to expect when you book a consultation withAskADoctor.
Complete Confidentiality
Your consultation is private. You remain anonymous to the doctors, and all information is encrypted and stored securely in accordance with GDPR standards. This means you can ask even the most sensitive health questions without worry. No one will know it’s you asking about that embarrassing rash or the anxiety that’s been keeping you awake.
The Consultation Process
Text consultations (£9) let you describe your symptoms in writing. You can attach photos if needed, which is particularly useful for skin conditions or visible symptoms. Video consultations (£25) work like a normal doctor’s appointment, just on your screen instead of in a GP’s office. Most consultations begin within 30 seconds of submitting your question.
Qualified Medical Professionals
You’ll be connected to licensed doctors. The service tells you the doctor’s name and speciality, so you know exactly who you’re speaking with. These are real medical professionals, not chatbots or unqualified advisors.
What Happens During Your Consultation
The doctor will review your symptoms, ask follow-up questions if needed, and provide medical advice. They can recommend over-the-counter treatments, suggest lifestyle changes, or advise whether you need to see an NHS GP in person.
After Your Consultation
You’ll have a record of the advice given. If you have follow-up questions about the same issue, the same doctor will review them. This continuity means you’re not starting from scratch each time you need clarification.
Your Rights and Protections
AskADoctor offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service. This isn’t about replacing your relationship with your NHS GP. It’s about getting timely advice for appropriate health concerns while the NHS handles what it does best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do online doctors help reduce NHS waiting times?
When you use online services for routine matters like minor infections, you free up NHS GP appointments for patients with complex conditions requiring face-to-face care. This allows NHS resources to be used for those who need physical examinations or diagnostic tests, or who have no alternative options.
Are online GP appointments quicker than NHS appointments?
Yes. AskADoctor typically connects you with a doctor within 30 seconds, with most consultations completed within 5 minutes. In contrast, NHS median wait times are currently 13.4 weeks. Online services are available 24/7, including evenings and weekends when NHS GP surgeries are closed.
What conditions can an online doctor treat safely?
Online doctors can effectively treat respiratory issues (colds, flu, allergies), skin conditions (acne, eczema, rashes), urinary tract infections, mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, insomnia), sexual health issues, and manage chronic conditions between NHS appointments. They can also provide health advice. However, conditions requiring physical examination, blood tests, or hands-on assessment need in-person NHS care.
Conclusion
The NHS waiting crisis is real and getting worse.
Jacob Lant, Chief Executive Officer of National Voices: “The NHS aims to provide free and universal healthcare, but at the moment there are plenty of people who don’t have easy access to specialist hospital care simply because of where they live in the country.”
At AskADoctor, we’re offering an alternative. Get on-demand medical advice from qualified NHS doctors via text or video consultation—available 24/7, regardless of where you live.
We’re not replacing the NHS. We’re helping preserve it by handling appropriate cases that don’t require physical examination, freeing up NHS resources for patients who need face-to-face specialist care. You don’t have to wait weeks.
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