Waiting times

Good morning. On behalf of CUH I'm providing an update to all our patients waiting for treatment.

Our hospitals are currently providing care to many patients with Covid-19 and whilst we continue to provide urgent care for everybody who needs it, we're 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 that they were at before the pandemic, this means that some patients will need to wait longer for treatment  than we would like. Unfortunately we may not be able to give you a clear idea of when you will be treated at this current time so we realise that it may be very frustrating and disappointing not knowing how long you may have to wait.

As our services start up again, we will carefully consider how patients should be prioritised. Please be assured we are continually assessing the risk of the delay patients are experiencing and care is being prioritised for those who may suffer serious harm if they're not treated soon. 

We know how hard it is to have to wait for diagnosis or treatment, and we understand the distress and anxiety this can cause for you and your loved ones and we are truly sorry for this. 

If you have a comment or question about our approach please contact the patient advice and liaison service. Thank you for all your patience and please know that we're doing all we can to restart our services in a safe way.

Good morning. On behalf of CUH I'm providing an update to all our patients waiting for treatment.

Our hospitals are currently providing care to many patients with Covid-19 and whilst we continue to provide urgent care for everybody who needs it, we're 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 that they were at before the pandemic, this means that some patients will need to wait longer for treatment  than we would like. Unfortunately we may not be able to give you a clear idea of when you will be treated at this current time so we realise that it may be very frustrating and disappointing not knowing how long you may have to wait.

As our services start up again, we will carefully consider how patients should be prioritised. Please be assured we are continually assessing the risk of the delay patients are experiencing and care is being prioritised for those who may suffer serious harm if they're not treated soon. 

We know how hard it is to have to wait for diagnosis or treatment, and we understand the distress and anxiety this can cause for you and your loved ones and we are truly sorry for this. 

If you have a comment or question about our approach please contact the patient advice and liaison service. Thank you for all your patience and please know that we're doing all we can to restart our services in a safe way.

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.

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.