Waiting Times

For many patients on a waiting list, it can be a very uncertain time waiting to hear about your appointment. At present there are many unknowns and waiting times are difficult to assess.

Some providers are able to offer appointments for routine referrals and where this is the case Devon Referral Support Service (DRSS) will contact you by phone or by letter to book an appointment. However, some routine clinics can only be booked by the hospitals themselves; where this is the case your referral is sent to your nearest provider and a letter will be sent to you from DRSS confirming where your referral has been sent.

If you are happy with the choice of hospital you do not need to do anything else and you will be contacted by the hospital themselves, however, if you would prefer to be seen at a different hospital, please contact Devon Referral Support Service on 01626 883888 and we will discuss your available options.

Following the above you should receive a confirmation letter from the hospital explaining you’ve been added to their waiting list and that an appointment will be sent to you in due course.

Healthcare providers across Devon are working together to update and add more useful information to support to help you whilst you wait. In addition to specific information about health conditions and problems you can find out more about:

Frequently Asked Questions 

When will I be seen?

The NHS is working hard to give people this information. All the hospitals in Devon are making sure care is given to people most in clinical need first.

My Planned Care provides average waiting times for patients across the UK. Click here to view waiting times for specialties in hospitals across the South West.

I haven’t heard anything – have I been forgotten?

Waiting times are much longer than usual. Please be assured that by getting this letter it means you are in the system and you have not been forgotten. Do keep hold of all your letters and check the current waiting times below. Please do not contact the hospital or your GP to check where you are on the list as they are very unlikely to be able to tell you where you are on the list.

​ Will it be quicker to be seen somewhere else?

You have a right to choose to be seen and treated at another appropriate hospital in England. If you do decide to be seen at a different hospital you will have to travel and have the full treatment, including any follow up appointments, at the same hospital.

MyHealth have an article on Understanding Your Options for Private and NHS Healthcare Transitions

My condition has changed – what should I do?

If you are much better and you no longer need to be seen it would be helpful to inform the hospital so you can be removed from their lists.

If you feel your condition is getting much worse, you can contact your GP to help with the symptoms. Your GP is unlikely to be able get you seen quicker or know the current waiting times are but can help you manage your condition.

What can I do while I wait?

Many people are waiting longer for treatment and we know this can be difficult. There are things you can do to help yourself stay well and prepare for your treatment:

  • The MyHealth My Condition section offers information on managing a range of topics and conditions, including pain management, anxiety and stress.
  • Get/stay in shape for surgery – not every referral leads to an operation, but where it does, the healthier people are before surgery, the better your outcome. The Local Support section of the MyHealth Devon website has information on healthy lifestyles and tips and advice on getting in shape for surgery.
  • Appointments may arise which will reduce your waiting time. It is worth being ready to accept a short notice appointment if it is offered.

Information on the MyHealth Devon website is reliable and regularly updated. If you are unable to access any of the content of the site, please call the DRSS helpdesk on 01626 883888.

I am really struggling to manage – what can I do?

If you struggle to cope with everyday tasks whilst you are waiting, there may be support available in the community. Please call Living Options Devon on Freephone 0300 3731333 or email: info@livingoptions.org – the advisor will try and put you in contact with local support that can help you with practical steps to keep you well while you wait.

My Planned Care

My Planned Care provides average waiting times for patients across the UK. Click here to view waiting times for specialties in hospitals across the South West.