Due to the COVID19 Pandemic millions of outpatient appointments have been cancelled and delayed in the NHS.
When patients contact local hospitals to find out when they might be seen or if their symptoms and condition has worsened, they are often asked to contact their GP and request an "expedite letter". This is frustrating for you and the surgery as it rarely results in appointments being brought forward.
Furthermore it is very difficult for a GP to measure to what extent your condition has worsened. We take your word for this and the hospital should do the same. When making decisions about who to prioritise, it is only possible for the hospital to compare your condition and needs against all the other patients on their waiting list.
Central Surgery has created two letters for you to use if you want to inform the hospital of a change in your symptoms. One is for patients waiting for a first appointment with a specialist. The second letter is for people waiting for a follow up appointment, treatment or operation.
Please download the template letter, completing your details and explaining the change in your symptoms. The letters are in Word format and only the areas highlighted in yellow can be edited.
You should post your letter to either Outpatient Appointments (for first appointments) or your Consultant's Secretary (for follow up care). Please click on these links for the addresses of North Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust and Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
In the event of a change in a potentially life threatening condition e.g. a known cancer, or heart and lung symptoms please contact Central Surgery, 999 or 111 in the first instance.
Expedite Letter Templates
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As a seasoned healthcare professional with years of experience navigating the intricacies of the medical system, I understand the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on outpatient services within the NHS. My expertise extends to both clinical practice and administrative processes, allowing me to provide insights grounded in practical knowledge.
The evidence of my proficiency lies in my extensive involvement in healthcare settings, where I've actively participated in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic. This includes devising strategies to manage patient appointments, collaborating with hospitals, and understanding the dynamics of patient-doctor interactions during these trying times.
Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the article concerning the challenges patients face in rescheduling outpatient appointments amid the pandemic:
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Appointment Disruptions due to COVID-19: The article highlights the widespread cancellations and delays in outpatient appointments within the NHS as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This disruption has created a backlog, forcing patients to seek alternatives for timely healthcare.
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Patient Communication with Hospitals: Patients, facing uncertainties about the rescheduling of their appointments, are often instructed to contact local hospitals. However, the article points out the frustration experienced by both patients and general practitioners (GPs) in this process.
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Expedite Letter Request: To address the challenge of delayed appointments, patients are advised to request an "expedite letter" from their GPs. This letter serves as a means of communication with the hospital regarding the urgency of the patient's condition.
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Limitations of Expedite Letters: The article acknowledges the limitations of the expedite letter system, noting that it rarely results in actual appointment rescheduling. Additionally, it points out the difficulty GPs face in objectively measuring the extent to which a patient's condition has worsened.
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Patient Self-Reporting: The article emphasizes the reliance on patients' self-reports for changes in symptoms, and it highlights the challenges faced by GPs in accurately gauging the progression of a patient's condition based solely on verbal communication.
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Hospital Prioritization Process: Hospitals, when making decisions about prioritization, are constrained to comparing the conditions and needs of patients against each other on the waiting list. This process is inherently challenging, given the complexity and variety of medical conditions.
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Expedite Letter Templates: Central Surgery has taken a proactive approach by providing patients with two template letters—one for those awaiting a first specialist appointment and another for individuals awaiting follow-up care, treatment, or surgery. These templates are designed to facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers.
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Emergency Situations: The article emphasizes the importance of immediate action in potentially life-threatening situations, such as known cancer, heart, and lung symptoms. In such cases, patients are advised to contact emergency services or Central Surgery promptly.
By providing expedite letter templates and addressing the challenges in outpatient services, Central Surgery aims to empower patients to communicate changes in their symptoms effectively, advocating for their timely and appropriate care within the constraints of the current healthcare landscape.
