What are people telling us about delays to hospital care and treatment?
Download (PDF 317.52 KB)Summary of report content
This briefing provides an update for national health and social care stakeholders about those who have been or are still waiting for NHS hospital care and treatment.
The briefing is informed by the views of 1,441 people in national polling carried out by YouGov, and 1,075 people in a national Healthwatch survey.
This research reported on the impact waiting for care is having on people, including on the pain they’re experiencing, on their ability to work, and on their mental health. It was clear that people were unhappy with the communications they received, and the support services provided (for example, pain relief or physiotherapy). These findings were particularly stark among disabled people, those with long-term conditions, and the least financially secure respondents.
The briefing contains 10 recommendations for system leaders to improve the experience of waiting. These include implementing good patient communications guidance, recruiting administrative staff to help manage lists, improving interim support for patients, and providing financial support for those asked to travel for care.