Wait times in A&E and for procedures in Suffolk are the worst they've ever been

A report by Healthwatch Suffolk revealed that 62% of people felt their condition had got worse while waiting for treatment

Andy Yacoub from the charity says wait times are the worst they've ever been.

He also said "Everything possible needs to be done to communicate with people and that 4 hour wait target isn't the only thing to measure it by"

Their report found that people valued clear communication and shared how this could be improved.

• "More information about waiting times
• Regular updates and reassurance - Many noted the current absence of information, and how the stress and anxiety of ‘not knowing’ was having a direct impact on their mental health.
• Consistency – Some reported a lack of consistency in the information they had received from professionals and services (e.g. that staff advice differed to information in letters). Comments also highlighted a lack of communication between primary and secondary health care, and between departments.
• Misleading language – People reported that the language used by professionals involved in their care had been unhelpful at times, leading to the wrong impression about how their treatment was being prioritised.
• Information about treatment – Some people felt they needed more information about their condition or procedure whilst they were waiting (e.g. how symptoms might change whilst they are waiting). "

Andy went on to say he wants this to extend beyond the waiting room - "Have you left with everything you need to know about, or if you're being referred to a ward, whats happening, where are you going to be, do your family need to know. that kind of thing. "

The Impact on People

The report revealed "on average, people highlighted that at least 3.7 different aspects of their life had been impacted, and almost a third said six or more aspects of their life had been affected."

The hospitals involved with the survey have replied that they are working to make things better for patients, you can read more here.

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