60 per cent of consultants said they would be interested in working for NHS online alongside their current NHS roles.

Of the 300 consultants and specialist doctors who took part, 48 per cent said they would be willing to offer at least four hours a week of their time, with the opportunity to care for patients innovatively, work flexibly and improve patient experience among their top reasons for wanting to sign up.

NHS Online is due to be launched next year and is expected to to deliver up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years.

It is hoped that patients needing specialist care will be treated more quickly thanks to the new virtual service, which aims to modernise the delivery of healthcare by providing triage for patients through the NHS App as well as video consultations with doctors.

Professor Stella Vig, National Clinical Director for Elective Care at NHS England and Consultant Surgeon, said: “It’s fantastic to see that consultants and specialist doctors are hugely supportive of the NHS’s new online hospital, with nearly two thirds willing to offer their time for this revolutionary service alongside their current roles.

“NHS Online will transform the way we deliver planned care, offering patients the choice to have an online appointment with a specialist anywhere in England.

“The service will make a real difference to patients’ lives as they’ll be able to choose to use NHS Online and be seen more quickly and conveniently, with many appointments delivered by video or telephone in their own home.

“We’ve also expanded the list of conditions which NHS Online will treat, so that even more patients will be able to benefit when the service launches next year.”

Health Minister Zubir Ahmed said: “Patients shouldn’t have to wait months or travel miles to get the care they need. By turbocharging the NHS with the latest technology, NHS Online will let people see specialist doctors faster – from the comfort of their own home.

“Every day matters when you’re waiting for treatment. This is about using the power of tech to get people diagnosed, treated and back living their lives faster.

“We’re proud to be cutting waiting times by embracing innovation. It makes the NHS work around patients and also offers new flexible ways of working for staff, all while keeping face-to-face care there for those who need it.”