Your Appointment Planner

As long as you choose it and it is right for you, any non-emergency treatment that you need should start within a maximum of 18 weeks. Most patients will be treated sooner than that.

This is a pledge that the NHS makes to patients in the NHS Constitution, which sets out - for the first time in one place - what we can all expect from the NHS and what is expected from us in return.

What can you do to help reduce waiting times?

Here are three things you can do to ensure that your treatment begins sooner.

  1. Ensure you are fit for treatment - Think about the things you can do while you are waiting for a consultant appointment so that you are fit for treatment, particularly if you need an operation. Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and losing weight can make a big difference to the outcome of your treatment. Your GP or health professtional should discuss this with you.
  2. Ensure you understand your condition and treatment plan - With good information about how to manage your condition, what to expect from treatment, and when to expect it, you can reduce disruption to your life. Remember, some treatments and diagnostic tests can be provided just as effectively outside hospital, for example at your GP practice. This might be more convenient for you and help you to be treated sooner.
  3. Keep your appointments - You should be given a choice of appointment times and dates so that you can choose one that is convenient for you. However, we appreciate other things can crop up - lack of childcare, work commitments, a planned holiday. If you can't keep your appointment, the NHS can work around you if you let us know in a good time. Otherwise, your treatment may not start as soon as possible. An appointment time made at a time convenient for you is better for you and it's better for us.

How your waiting time is recorded

Our waiting times are coming down and you can expect to wait no more than 18 weeks before the start of your orthopaedic treatment. Some earlier stages of your treatment such as MRI scans are offered within six weeks of being referred by your GP.

No patient with suspected cancer waits more than two weeks for an appointment.

Start the clock
If a GP refers you for hospital treatment, the clock starts when you book your first appointment, or when your referral letter is received by the hospital.

The clock is ticking
You will see a clinician, and may need the following:

  • Tests, scans or other procudures that can help ensure your treatment is tailored appropriately to your condition
  • Medication or therapy to manage your symptoms until you start treatment
  • A referral to another consultant or department

Stop the clock
The clock stops if you cancel an appointment or if your treatment begins. This could include:

  • Being admitted to hospital for an operation or treatment
  • Starting treatment, such as medication, that doesn't require you to stay in hospital
  • Beginning your fitting of a medical device such as leg braces
  • Agreeing to monitor your condition for a time to see whether you need further treatment
  • Advice from hospital staff to manage your condition

Your treatment planner

Download the Access to Health Services policy here
Download a copy of your treatment planner here
Download a treatment planner poster here