11
Accepted
The very large numbers of people who have not presented for healthcare, or were not...
Conclusion
The very large numbers of people who have not presented for healthcare, or were not able to obtain it, during the pandemic, as well as those who have already been on waiting lists for long periods of time present a huge risk to primary and emergency care services. This is because unmet health demand can result in more GP appointments and more medical emergencies as people try to manage or suffer the consequences of their conditions. In a survey by NHS Providers, almost all NHS trust leaders responding reported that the complexity and acuity of new patients had increased since the pandemic.25 In written evidence, the British Medical Association told us that people who were waiting might seek support from “already overstretched” GPs and that this would have a knock-on effect on the number of GP appointments available to patients seeking an initial consultation, perhaps further increasing the number of missing patients.26 NHSE&I acknowledged that it was asking GPs to do a lot at the moment.27
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation of risk, detailing that its Elective Recovery Plan and the expansion of the 'My Planned Care' platform will provide better information and support to patients, including personalized waiting list advice.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date Spring 2023 4.2 Delivery of the Elective Recovery Plan, and the initiatives deployed to achieve it, will be closely monitored by both the department and NHSE&I. Please also refer to response to recommendation 1. 4.3 Better information and support for patients is a key part of the Elective Recovery Plan. Providing people and their carers with information and personalised support is central to that ambition and the overall recovery plan. The department and NHSE&I aim to enable people to make informed decisions and be more in control of managing their own care, to reduce the impact of waiting for treatment and supporting recovery after treatment. 4.4 In February 2022, NHSE&I launched the My Planned Care platform. This platform allows patients and their carers to access information ahead of their planned appointment, operation, or treatment. The platform will be expanded in the coming months to include personalised information and support for patients on the waiting list to help them stay well while they wait, including advice on how best to manage symptoms. 4.5 On prioritisation, the NHS is prioritising diagnosis and treatment according to clinical urgency and is working to reduce the longest waits as part of the Elective Recovery Plan.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
NHS Backlogs and waiting times
Report
Forty-Fourth Report - NHS backlogs and waiting times in England
16 Mar 2022
HC 747
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.4 yrs
Report published
16 Mar 2022