We understand that current wait times for NHS outpatient appointments have significantly increased, which can be frustrating, especially if you feel your symptoms have worsened. When you contact your local hospital for an update, you may be advised to ask your GP for an “expedite letter.” However, these letters rarely result in an earlier appointment because the hospital’s secondary care team makes the final decision on prioritising referrals, whether they are marked as ‘routine’ or ‘urgent.’
It’s important to note that your GP might not be able to fully assess how much your condition has changed. We believe that your description of your symptoms should be taken seriously, and the hospital should also consider it. When the hospital prioritises appointments, they must compare your needs to those of all other patients on their waiting list.
To help you communicate any changes in your condition directly to the hospital, we have created a template letter for you. If your symptoms have changed since your referral, please download the template, fill it in with your details, and edit the ‘greyed-out text’ to explain how your symptoms have changed. Once completed, post the letter to the Outpatient Appointments department at the hospital you were referred to.
By taking this step, you can ensure that your current health situation is clearly communicated to the hospital team.