Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Paragraph: 65
It is not acceptable for patients awaiting planned treatment or feeling the debilitating effects of...
Conclusion
It is not acceptable for patients awaiting planned treatment or feeling the debilitating effects of long covid to feel “abandoned” by the NHS. We appreciate the uncertainty about the length of future waiting lists, but this is no excuse for lack of communication—whether this be confirmation of a patient’s next round of treatment or simply a conversation to assure them that they have not been forgotten. We heard that waiting lists are not static, that conditions can worsen, and that active management is recommended. A commitment to keeping in touch would not just benefit individual patients, but also help local systems actively to manage their lists and inform decisions about prioritisation.
Paragraph Reference:
65
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government agrees that communication with patients is essential. NHS England has been working to improve communication with patients waiting for treatment, and has published guidance for providers on how to do this effectively. This includes providing patients with regular updates on their position on the waiting list, as well as offering support and advice on how to manage their condition while they wait. The NHS is also working to improve the way it manages waiting lists, to ensure that patients are seen as quickly as possible. This includes using data to identify patients who are at risk of deterioration, and prioritising them for treatment.