Patient Information – While you are waiting

We know that waiting for hospital appointments and treatments can be stressful, especially when waiting times are longer than usual. Here’s an explanation of what happens.



I’VE BEEN REFERRED, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The healthcare professional referring you, usually your GP, will send your details to the hospital specialist. The specialist will review the information and decide how quickly you need to be seen.

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WHEN WILL I HEAR WHEN MY APPOINTMENT IS?

Waiting times can be different depending on the department and hospital. You can check the expected waiting times on the NHS website. https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/east/

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I WANT TO BE SEEN QUICKER, WHAT CAN I DO?

If you’ve already seen the hospital team and are waiting for treatment, contact them for an update.

If your condition is the same as when you were referred, your waiting time won’t change, and your GP can’t speed things up.

If your condition has worsened and you haven’t had your first appointment yet, contact your GP surgery.

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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS has advice on what you can do while waiting for an appointment. You can find it here: https://www.cpics.org.uk/waiting-well/

Prepared by Cambs LMC for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough General Practice, with thanks to Kent LMC for shared resources

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