Managing Waiting Times: A Good Practice Guide
A guide for the NHS and others on good practice in managing waiting times and capacity planning
MANAGING WAITING TIMES: A GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
CHAPTER FIVE
THE PATIENT
Patients should be consulted, informed and appropriately involved during their waiting time period and treatment.
It is usually the case that if the NHS takes the time and has a commitment to communicate with patients positively, patients will then respond positively.
Patients should be clearly informed of the actions that are expected of them, for instance in updating their contact details or informing their general practitioner and hospital of any change in their circumstances.
Following the guidance within the Hospital Services section of this document on "meeting the needs and expectations of patients", will support patient involvement in their own care.
Patients themselves have a responsibility in:
providing accurate information to healthcare professionals;
updating general practice and hospital services of any changes in circumstances, and in particular changes in contact details;
attending appointments as arranged and avoiding cancelling appointments at short notice.
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