Waiting for your appointment
Appointment waiting times
Waiting for your appointment or procedure
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way
When we receive a referral from your GP or healthcare provider, you’ll be added to the waiting list for your appointment or procedure. Waiting times vary depending on the type of care and the department. We always prioritise patients according to clinical need, and we are working hard to reduce long waits.
You can check average waiting times for different specialties and NHS trusts on the NHS My Planned Care website. Please use this service before contacting your GP or hospital team for an update.
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Your appointment record
Secure access to your health information, all in one place
Every time you visit hospital, details of your care are added to your health record — from appointments and test results to medicines and allergies. Keeping this information in one place helps your hospital team plan and deliver your care safely.
With Patients Know Best, you can securely view:
- your hospital appointments
- your test results and letters
- information recorded about your care, such as medicines or allergies
It’s free, easy to use, and available through the NHS App. Patients Knows Best contains your health information from May 2023.
Giving you the choice to be seen elsewhere
Being seen at another hospital
Faster treatment, close to home
Sometimes we may offer you an appointment or procedure at a different hospital in north east London. This is called mutual aid — hospitals working together so patients can be treated as quickly as possible.
All our hospitals are nearby, easy to reach by public transport, and you will always be treated by a qualified specialist. If you agree to be seen elsewhere, you will almost always be seen and treated sooner than if you stay on your original waiting list.
The decision is yours, but saying yes usually means you’ll be seen sooner and get the care you need more quickly. You’ll still receive the same high standard of care, whichever hospital you attend.
You don’t need to do anything — if you are suitable, we will contact you.
Do you still need your appointment?
Do you still need your appointment?
Let us know so we can offer it to someone else
If you no longer need your appointment or procedure — for example, because you’ve had treatment elsewhere or your condition has improved — please tell us as soon as possible.
This helps us reduce waiting times and give your appointment to another patient who needs care.
The easiest way to do this is by contacting your clinical team directly.
Tell us if you no longer need your appointment
Staying well while you wait
Staying well while you wait
Taking care of yourself now helps with your treatment and your recovery
Waiting for your appointment or procedure can feel stressful, but there are simple steps you can take to look after your health:
- Stay active to build strength and support recovery.
- Stop smoking to reduce risks and heal faster.
- Eat well to support your body and fight infection.
- Stick to recommended alcohol limits.
- Use local Talking Therapies for emotional support.
- Learn how to prevent blood clots
- Learn to manage long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Get more tips on staying well while you wait