HOSPITALS hope to lure back recently retired consultants to help clear waiting list backlogs.

The NHS today launches a one-year trial of an online system — allowing some to do outpatient appointments via video calls from home.

This will free staff for other tasks and allow targeted help to hospitals most in need.

Returnees could also help to train more junior doctors.

NHS elective care director Stella Vig said: “Many want to be able to keep giving back to the health service once they have retired, but in a more flexible way.”

Returnees will face standard hiring processes.

Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “Returning consultants will bring invaluable experience and knowledge.”

Latest figures show nearly 6.4million people in England were awaiting treatment in November.

If the NHS Emeritus trial succeeds it could be rolled out to more areas of medicine and kept beyond the one-year trial period.

Bosses estimate 1,000 consultants retire every year meaning there could be thousands who still have the licence and registration to allow them to work again.

All returning doctors would have to go through standard hiring processes before working.

Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, added: “The NHS is facing unprecedented demands so paving a way for our recently retired doctors to contribute their skills again is very welcome.

“Almost 60% of physicians would delay retirement if they could work flexibly or reduce their hours, showing that flexible working would greatly improve staff retention.”