Waiting list backlogs remain at record highs, and demand for both Advice & Guidance (A&G) and referral triage continues to rise nationally.
While using local consultants remains the gold standard, it’s increasingly clear that relying solely on local clinicians to deliver more clinics while also managing rising A&G and triage volumes is unsustainable. That’s why more NHS trusts are turning to hybrid workforce models.
According to our latest benchmark data, NHS trusts across England and Wales used Consultant Connect’s National Consultant Network of remote NHS consultants 24% more in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. This growth reflects the urgent need to increase clinical capacity without adding pressure to already stretched local teams.
Our hybrid model allows local teams to activate remote NHS consultants within 48 hours to take on A&G or referral triage worklists. This quick and flexible approach means backlogs can be cleared efficiently and even prevented from building up in the first place. As local capacity improves, remote support can be reduced or paused entirely, giving trusts full control over their clinical resources. The impact of adopting a hybrid model has been significant, with waiting lists reduced by an average of 38%, and by up to 50% in specialties such as neurology.
This means faster access to consultant-devised management plans for patients and more efficient use of in-person hospital appointments, which are then reserved for those who truly need them.
The hybrid workforce model is proving to be a highly effective, scalable solution that supports both short-term backlog recovery and long-term sustainability of elective services.
If you have any questions or would like to learn how Enhanced A&G services or remote NHS consultants can support your NHS area in the short or long term, please contact us at 01865 951 207 or email info@consultantconnect.org.uk.
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