NHS waiting times

Healthwatch Derbyshire and Healthwatch Derby gathered feedback from 124 people about NHS waiting times in 2021, including 93 people who were still waiting for care or treatment when they completed the survey. Many respondents had been waiting a long time, with 23 people reporting waits of more than two years. The largest group were waiting for operations, although others were waiting for outpatient consultations, ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. Some respondents also reported that their treatment had been cancelled or postponed.

Communication was a major concern. More than half of respondents said they had received no information at all while waiting for treatment, while many others felt the information they had received was inadequate. People wanted clearer updates about waiting times, more information about their condition and practical advice on how to manage symptoms while waiting. Many expressed frustration at not knowing whether delays were due to waiting lists or administrative problems. 

Very few people reported receiving interim support while waiting. Only 14% said they had received practical help such as physiotherapy, pain management or mental health support. Many respondents described worsening symptoms, increasing pain and declining mobility while waiting. Some felt their condition had deteriorated significantly since referral, making treatment and recovery more difficult. 

The impact on quality of life was substantial. Around 71% of respondents said delays had negatively affected their mental health and the same proportion reported increased pain. Participants described effects on work, family life, independence and wellbeing, with some becoming isolated, reliant on support from others or concerned about long-term use of pain medication. Healthwatch concluded that while waiting lists may be unavoidable, better communication and meaningful interim support could significantly improve people’s experiences while they wait for treatment.