How can I reduce the waiting time for my NHS operation? (5 ways)

Yes. There is alot you can do. Here are 5 things you can do. All will require some work from you.

1. The earlier you see your GP with a problem, the sooner you will get the treatment you need

If your GP thinks you need an operation they will need to refer you on to a hospital to see a specialist. You cannot refer yourself unless you go private and pay.

2. Talk to your GP about where the shortest waiting times for the operation are

You you could use My Planned Care and NHS Choose and Book to do some research before you see the GP, to help them
And, accept that it might be sensible to choose to have your operation at a hospital that is not close to home where the waiting lists are shorter.

3. Make a note of the hospital and department you and your GP chose for your referral

And make a note of how long the Choose and Book service says you should have to wait for your first appointment at the hospital. If it seems excessively long, ask them to look at other hospitals

4. Look out for your referral letter which should give you the details of your first hospital appointment

If it does not arrive contact the hospital, not your GP. You can do this by ringing either the e-booking service, or a secretary in the department you are being referred to, or both. He/she may help you too if you ask them
Give them your name/get to know them; and check that you are on the waiting list for the operation, and still on it. Ask how long you can then expect to wait for the operation. Ring them once a month
Also you can ring the consultant’s secretary every two weeks and ask to be informed if there are any cancellations. Then you need to be ready to have an operation at short notice.

5. NHS App

The NHS app can now be used in some bits of the UK to help you.

Summary

So. How can I reduce the waiting time for my NHS operation? Push push push. Chase chase chase. And keep a note of when you did all the above (and the outcome) in your medical record. Do not assume that everything is going OK because you have not heard anything.

Last Reviewed on 9 March 2024