Dear Patients,
We have noticed an increasing number of patients requesting GP appointments or GP letters asking for outpatient appointments to be expedited. This seems to be mostly due to extended waiting times and after having spoken with hospital secretaries.
We very much understand and share the frustration caused by current waiting times for outpatient appointments. Please be aware, this is entirely outside of our control and is the making of a struggling NHS with an imbalance of demand and capacity (workforce).
When you are referred to hospital, the request is reviewed and ‘triaged’. This means the hospital team decide on the timescale they feel is appropriate for your condition. If you believe your symptoms have changed or progressed and therefore require a more urgent outpatient appointment, you must visit or contact the practice to book a telephone call with the referring clinician.
If your query relates to cancelling, booking, or chasing appointments please directly contact the department you were referred to as we just do not have the capacity to make these requests on your behalf. This is also applicable if you are waiting for results from a test organised by a hospital specialist.
There is lots of information available including telephone numbers and information on the following links:
Guide to NHS waiting times in England – NHS
Estimated outpatient wait times – East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust