UK | Communication with patients on healthcare waiting lists

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman’s follow-up report shows that since our report in 2023 there has been progress in how the healthcare system provides information to patients on waiting lists.

Of the 34 recommendations the institution made, 32 have either been fully or partially met.

Key improvements include:

• a dedicated ‘Waiting Times’ website and a new mobile App allowing patients and carers to view personal medical records.
• new text and letter notification systems to provide regular status updates to patients and their carers
• a more transparent framework explaining exactly how trusts manage and prioritise their waiting lists
• the early development of a ‘support while waiting’ program, designed to help patients manage their physical and mental wellbeing while they are on a waiting list.

Please click here to access the own-motion follow-up reoprt.

Source: Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, UK