Waiting for Hospital Care

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many people having their operations, treatment and appointments cancelled or delayed.

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 over 6 million.

It is essential that while people wait for treatment, they get support to manage their health and wellbeing in a way that is best for them. If someone needs hospital treatment, they should be receiving advice and information from the NHS about how to look after their health while they wait. (Ref: The NHS delivery plan for tackling the backlog1). They should be kept informed about the dates of their treatment and where they are on the waiting list.

The four Healthwatch across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System (ICS) undertook a survey between May 2022 and August 2022 to provide insight to enable services to understand the local experience of waiting, to improve effective communication with those who are waiting, and reduce the potential for harm or deterioration while people are waiting.

Key findings

• The longer the wait the more detrimental effect it has on people’s health and/or wellbeing and mental health, lifestyle and family life, pain levels, mobility and fears of worsening conditions. People talked about life “being on hold”.
• People told us they had used NHS111 and A&E services more frequently due to having to wait for treatment and worsening health.

Feedback about being offered the Winchester option:

• There were concerns from Hampshire and IOW respondents over the distance to travel to a Winchester hospital, travel costs and issues with delayed and cancelled ferry crossings.
• Concerns over the lack of public transport/public transport timings, car parking and travel costs.
• Concerns about traveling long distances when unwell/receiving treatment.
• Concerns over caring responsibilities if having to travel further.