Waiting for hospital care

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

A total of 2114 validated responses were received. The survey found that any need to wait is worrying for many patients, with uncertainty about the length of wait a major concern. The longer the wait, the more detrimental the impact on people’s health and wellbeing. People said they used NHS111 and A&E more frequently due to having to wait for treatment and worsening health.

A majority felt they had not been given information and/or support to manage their condition while waiting, and said they had not been given details of someone to contact if their condition worsened. Many stated they had not been given any information or advice on how to improve their health while waiting.

The report recommends:

• Reviewing how patients can be provided with the information/advice/contacts and signposting they need to stay well and manage their condition while waiting.
• Keeping patients informed when their appointment is likely to be due.
• Decisions about alternative services for the Isle of Wight should take into consideration its unique issues around transport and travel.