NHS waiting times

[Sparks_]

Is there any site that actually publishes waiting times? I have seen reports about national standerd and what to do if its broken, but I want to know just how long I am going to be kept waiting for an operation that my surgeon has classed as urgent, already waited 8 weeks now and still no sign of a date for the op.

 

Have tried phoning the surgeons secretary and she was most unhelpful, her words were 'you will just have to wait as he is very busy!', I mentioned i had already had my pre- op check and in another week it will have to be redone as it will be out of time, her answer was 'well we can sort that out later'

[valleygirl]

Sparks

 

you can find information on NHS waiting times on the NHS Choices website (put 'waiting times' in the search box)

[Sparks_]

I did that but all I get is their official stuff like you will have your treatment in by 18 weeks, cant find any specifics for my local hospital

[Sali]

Yes, although the national rule (or maybe law now) is that you should not wait more than 18 weeks, it would be an idea for each hospital to publish a list of waiting times for selective procedures. As patients we could then shop around, although I would also like to know (from a source that I could trust) the hospital's reputation/success rate.

 

Try asking your GP, or contact the hospital dept concerned to see whether they can provide more precise information.

[Zonker]

Freedom of information request to your nhs trust asking what the actual waiting time, not the target waiting time is for that type of operation in that particular Hospital is a way to try it. They have to answer in 20 days.

 

An 'easy' way for FOI request is to use

 

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/

 

Remember FOI requests have to be worded so it doesnt refer to an individual.

[Sparks_]

Been told by the hospital admission dept that I wont get my inpatient appointment till next year!

[Sali]

Doesn't 'NHS Choices' mean that you can ask your GP whether you could get an earlier appointment at another hospital where there is less of a waiting time. I guess it comes down to whether you have the time and money to travel.

[Sparks_]

I am seeing my GP next week, thats one thing I wish to discuss with him.