Communication with patients on healthcare waiting lists

Date of article: 09/03/2026

Daily News of: 10/03/2026

Country:  United Kingdom - Northern Ireland

Author:

Article language: en

This 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 we 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.

Read the report here.

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