Waiting times

We are here for you, and we will do all we can to get you the care you need as soon as possible.

We know that, because of the impact of the Covid pandemic, sometimes patients are waiting longer than we would like and it is not always possible to identify when treatment will take place.

While you are waiting, it is important that you keep healthy and well. This can also help you to recover better after you have had your procedure.

This document provides you with information to help you stay healthy while waiting to attend hospital and should be read in conjunction with the specialty level guidance appropriate for your condition.

Non-urgent advice: Received a letter from us?

We are writing to every patient who is waiting for an appointment, procedure or test at our hospitals for longer than we would normally expect.

If you have questions relating to this, follow our guidance below.

Waiting times for appointments, procedures or tests

Our hospitals are currently responding to the transmission of Covid-19 in this area. We continue to provide urgent care for our patients during this time, but are having to make some difficult decisions about delaying non-emergency operations, outpatient appointments and investigations.

It will take time to bring our services back to the levels they were at before the pandemic. This means that some patients will need to wait longer than we would like. We would like to thank you for your patience, and please know that we are doing all we can to restart our services in a safe way.

What this delay means for you

Unfortunately we may not be able to give you a clear idea of how long you will wait. We realise that this may be very frustrating and disappointing.

We are carefully prioritising all of our patients. This means we assess the impact of any delay you are experiencing and care is prioritised for patients at the greatest risk.

Concerns about your health condition?

If your health changes or you become worried about worsening symptoms, who you contact will depend on the type of appointment you’re waiting for.

You can visit our speciality specific A-Z information page that will provide you with support while you wait.

First outpatient appointment

If you are waiting for your first outpatient appointment and have not yet been seen by anyone at our hospitals, please contact your GP to let them know if your symptoms have become worse.

Follow up outpatient appointment

If you have already been seen by someone at our hospitals and are waiting for a follow-up appointment, please contact the team at the hospital who are caring for you to let them know if your symptoms have become worse.

Diagnostic appointment

If your GP has referred you for a diagnostic appointment, such as a scan or x-ray, please contact your GP to let them know if your symptoms have become worse. If someone at our hospitals has referred you for a diagnostic appointment, such as a scan or x-ray, please contact the team at the hospital who are caring for you to let them know if your symptoms have become worse.

Surgery or outpatient procedure

If you are waiting for surgery or an outpatient procedure please contact the team at the hospital who are caring for you if your symptoms become worse.

If you feel you no longer need or wish to have treatment

If you feel you no longer need or wish to have treatment please contact the team caring for you at our hospitals and we will discuss this with you and advise on next steps.

Your questions and comments

If you have a comment or question about our approach please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). The team can be reached between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 01223 216756 or pals@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.

We would also be grateful for feedback on your experience of receiving care at our hospitals – please complete our survey at https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/waitingtimessurvey.

Your health matters a huge amount to us and we look forward to getting you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

You are also welcome to visit My Planned Care, the national website about waiting times.