Follow Up Appointments

Healthwatch organisations across West Yorkshire and Harrogate surveyed 502 people about alternatives to traditional hospital follow-up appointments. There was strong support for offering different ways to access follow-up care where clinically appropriate, with 95% agreeing that patients should have options other than attending hospital in person. Telephone appointments were the most popular alternative, followed by appointments at GP practices and video consultations. 

Respondents highlighted several benefits, including reduced travel time, avoiding parking costs and hospital waiting rooms, and not having to take time off work or arrange childcare. Many also felt alternative approaches could save NHS time and resources, freeing up appointments for patients who needed face-to-face care. 

However, participants wanted choice and stressed that alternative arrangements should only be used when clinically appropriate. Concerns included pressure on already stretched GP services, the risk of losing continuity of care, and seeing a professional who might not know their condition. Many felt email and text messages were suitable only for straightforward results or situations where no further treatment was needed. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that the public broadly supports more flexible follow-up arrangements, particularly telephone, GP-based and video appointments, provided patients retain choice and quality of care is maintained. Suggestions included online access to records and results, scheduled telephone appointments, and more community-based clinics to reduce the need for hospital travel.