As part of the national drive to reduce elective waiting lists, NHS trusts are now proactively contacting patients who have been waiting over 40 weeks, and do not have an appointment date within the next eight weeks. This is to enable patients to consider their options to see if they could be seen sooner at a different hospital.
There may be some patients whose clinical condition means that it would not be appropriate to move to a different hospital. This is particularly relevant to patients whose condition is clinically complex.
We will be contacting all of our eligible patients that meet the above criteria and who are currently under our care with a text message or letter from Tuesday 31 October 2023.
We ask that patients do not contact their GP practice or the hospital directly regarding this offer, but respond to the message that they are sent in order to help the Lincolnshire NHS system meet their needs.
FAQs
What happens next?
All hospitals including our Trust will now be contacting eligible patients who have been waiting over 40 weeks, and who don’t have an existing appointment date within the next eight weeks, to invite them to consider their options to see if they could be seen sooner at a different hospital.
If I request to move and a new provider can’t be found, will I lose my place on the current waitlist?
If you aren’t offered a new provider, you remain in your current position on our waiting list.
I’ve not had a letter or text – should I get in touch with my hospital or my GP?
It is important that you wait to be contacted and do not contact our hospital or GP practice. This will ensure your request is handled in the most efficient way.
Will it cost me money if I am offered an appointment at an independent sector provider?
The NHS or patients will not incur any additional costs if they decide to use an independent sector provider.
If I have made a request to move – how long will the process take?
You will be told if a new provider has been found or not within five to six weeks of starting the process. If you are deemed not clinically appropriate to move it is expected you will be told within two to three weeks.
If I choose to move provider, after my first outpatient appointment will I be referred back to ULHT?
No, you will no longer be under ULHT for this condition, you will be under the care of the new chosen provider from diagnosis to care and treatment.
I am on a waiting list for more than one condition, does this move apply to all of my conditions?
No, each request will be based on the hospital speciality you need an appointment for.
I have not been contacted, but think I should have been, what should I do?
We are ensuring that everyone on our list is contacted, if you haven’t been contacted it will because you do not meet the current criteria that has been set out. You may be on a future list and if that is the case you will be contacted via ULHT when that list is being asked to consider PIDMAS.