The Patients Association and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have published a joint report setting out a bold new vision for reforming outpatient services in the NHS over the next decade.

Outpatient care (planned specialist care delivered without an overnight hospital stay) is one of the most commonly used NHS services, with over 135 million appointments in 2023/24 alone. Yet for many patients, the experience is marked by long waits, fragmented communication, and a lack of coordination between services.

Drawing on extensive engagement with patients, clinicians and NHS England, Prescription for outpatients: reimagining planned specialist care outlines five key ambitions to reshape the outpatient model:

• provide timely care by the right person, in the right setting,
• empower patients through personalised care and self-management,
• improve communication across professionals and with patients,
• use innovative models of care to avoid unnecessary appointments,
• harness data and technology to reduce inequalities and prioritise need. 

The report also proposes eight transformational shifts to how care is delivered, supported by five key enablers including digital infrastructure, workforce investment, and improved commissioning models. Collectively, these changes aim to ensure outpatient services are more efficient, equitable and centred around patients' needs.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said:

“Too many patients tell us that outpatient care feels like an uphill battle, with delays, confusion, and a lack of joined-up communication that leaves them feeling powerless. Our joint report with the Royal College of Physicians marks an important step towards the kind of reform patients have long been calling for. Planned specialist care must be built around the needs of real people, not rigid systems.”

“With the upcoming implementation of the 10-Year Health Plan, the use of technology to improve access, reduce inequalities, and support people to manage their own care is vital. Outpatient services should implement our six key principles of patient partnership to ensure care is designed and delivered in collaboration with patients. This vision lays out a roadmap to get us there.”

>Download the report