Key Takeaways
- New Diagnosis Connect program offers patients referrals to charities through the NHS App after diagnosis.
- The initiative aims to improve support for chronic health conditions starting with primary care diagnoses in 2026.
- Focused on conditions such as diabetes, lung issues, and mental health, the program seeks to enhance patient quality of life and reduce hospital visits.
Support for Patients with Long-Term Conditions
People with long-term health conditions will soon receive enhanced support through the NHS App, thanks to a new initiative called the Diagnosis Connect program. Announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the Civil Service Summit at the Science Museum on July 17, 2025, this service aims to facilitate direct referrals from healthcare providers to trusted charities immediately after a diagnosis is made.
Under the new program, patients will receive notifications via text or the NHS App, directing them to relevant support groups and charities for personalized advice and guidance. Starmer emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it would offer “comfort and support” to those newly diagnosed. He stated that the integration of charity expertise with the NHS App would serve as a vital resource for patients, making crucial information readily accessible.
Launching in 2026, the first phase of Diagnosis Connect will primarily target patients diagnosed in primary care settings, such as GP surgeries. Through this system, individuals will be promptly linked to specialist charities that provide essential resources, including helplines, information, and local support tailored to their specific conditions.
As the program progresses, a broader digital referral system will be implemented to connect patients across all healthcare environments, including hospitals, with a diverse range of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organizations. The initial rollout will prioritize conditions like diabetes, lung diseases, and mental health issues, with additional health areas expected to be integrated over time.
Juliet Bouverie OBE, the chief executive of the Stroke Association and chair of The Richmond Group of Charities, shared her confidence in the program, pointing out that a similar initiative aimed at supporting stroke survivors has been successfully trialed. She highlighted the profound impact this early-stage intervention can have on rehabilitation for the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK.
The Diagnosis Connect initiative is designed to empower patients by helping them understand and manage their conditions from the outset. This proactive approach seeks to reduce flare-ups, enhance overall quality of life, and minimize unnecessary hospital visits. Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed these sentiments, indicating that just as patients with cancer or dementia are often referred to well-known charities, those with other chronic conditions deserve similar support from the start.
The NHS App plays a central role in the government’s 10-year health strategy, which was unveiled on July 3, 2025. Plans for the app include AI tools, mental health resources, and features allowing patients to explore and enroll in clinical trials.
This new approach signifies a substantial shift in care management, focusing on immediate connection to community resources, ultimately empowering patients to lead Fuller and more independent lives.
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