15
Not Addressed
The number of missing referrals and the size of the waiting list make for a...
Conclusion
The number of missing referrals and the size of the waiting list make for a daunting situation when it comes to the needs of patients. Thinking about the recent changes to GPs’ workload to allow them to focus on booster vaccinations, we asked how members of the public could know in advance whether a GP appointment was routine or urgent, particularly with regard to potential cancer symptoms. NHSE&I told us that it was trying to encourage an increase in cancer referrals across the whole NHS and that it was most worried about the patients it did not know about. It urged anyone with worrying symptoms to come forward.34 We agree with this call but it does not answer our question about how patients can tell in advance of seeing a medical professional whether their problem is urgent or routine. The C&AG’s Report estimated that, as at September 2021, there were 240,000 to 740,000 missing urgent GP referrals for suspected cancer since February 2020.35
Government Response Summary
The government agreed with the committee's observation, citing the Elective Recovery Plan's focus on better patient information and the launch of the My Planned Care platform. However, the response did not directly address the committee's specific question about how members of the public can assess the urgency of their symptoms before seeing a medical professional.
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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