Hospital Waiting Times – Requests to Expedite Appointments

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 mainly due to extended NHS hospital/external 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.

It is important to note that seeking an expedited letter based solely on waiting times will not get you seen any sooner. When you are referred to the hospital, the request is reviewed and ‘triaged’. This means the hospital team decide on the timescale they feel is appropriate for your condition. Another letter from the GP without any new information will not change this.

However, if you believe your symptoms have changed or progressed and therefore require a more urgent outpatient appointment, please inform us of this and we will arrange to consult with you and submit further information to the hospital department on your behalf for their further triage.

If your query relates to cancelling, booking or chasing appointments please contact the hospital department directly that you were referred to. This is also applicable if you are waiting for results from a test organised by a hospital specialist.

Our commitment is to provide the best and most comprehensive medical care to our patients in a timely fashion.

Many thanks

Partners @ Warwick Gates Family Health Centre

Posted by AJ Kettle, Practice Manager 26 September 2024