Health Services: Waiting Lists

It is unacceptable that patients across the United Kingdom continue to wait lengthy periods for treatment, and it is imperative that the elective waiting list is a top priority for all four nations. These national standards apply across England, including the ambition that 92% of patients start treatment within 18 weeks of referral.

Local systems and providers have different access policies which dictate the steps that need to happen during a provider transfer. Some providers will accept a transfer of care, while others will require a new referral from primary care. To ensure that people are seen in accordance with clinical need, all waiting lists are subject to clinical prioritisation at a local level. The National Health Services triages patients waiting for elective care, including surgeries, ensuring the order in which patients are seen reflects clinical judgement on need as well as taking into account overall wait time. These steps aim to ensure that patients moving between regions are treated equitably and that waiting times are managed consistently.

Across England, patients have a right to request their local integrated care board find an alternative provider when they have been waiting, or expect to wait, over 18 weeks to begin treatment for consultant-led care.

Health is predominantly a devolved issue, with each UK nation operating its own NHS system, including separate waiting lists, and associated rules and guidance. Moving between countries generally means starting a new referral process under the designated nation’s system. However, similar prioritisation processes will occur to ensure that patients are seen and treated based on clinical need.