Are you or your loved one waiting for hospital care? Share you views
The impact of COVID-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many people having their operations, treatment and appointments cancelled or delayed to free up inpatient and critical care capacity. While this helped medical staff respond to the crisis, it has resulted in a huge backlog of people waiting for treatment.
The latest data shows that the number of people waiting for routine operations and procedures in England is at its highest level since 2007 – currently at 5.45 million.
The impact of delayed treatment to you
The impact of waiting for treatment can be huge, potentially leaving you in pain and affecting both your physical and mental health, your ability to work and perform day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning, shopping and caring for others.
While the NHS is working hard to treat people, you should be getting support, advice and information about how to look after your health while you wait.
I was referred to hospital for a heart monitor in July. The worrying factor is that when I enquired about the waiting time which may be one year, I was told that I hadn’t made it onto the waiting list yet by the Cardiology department. They said they would let me know when I had.
What could be improved?
We know that not everyone is getting the help they need while they wait for care. That’s why we are supporting Healthwatch England's national survey to understand your experiences.
Everything you tell us is confidential and will help us and the NHS understand what needs to be put in place to better support people like you.
So whether it’s gynaecological surgery, a knee replacement or a biopsy you’re waiting for, if you’ve got a story to tell, we want to hear it.
Waited four months for an endoscopy. Booking line is fantastic at sorting issues out though, brilliant patient care
