Waiting for a hospital appointment or operation? Find help and support to keep healthy.
About waiting times
Every effort is being made to reduce waiting times for patients. All our hospital teams across Norfolk and Suffolk are working together to find ways to reduce waiting times with the aim of getting to you as soon as possible.
You can find information about waiting times for specific procedures at the My Planned Care website, or use the NHS app.
Stay healthy while you wait
If you’re waiting longer than you expected for your treatment or procedure, it’s even more important to use this time to get as healthy as you can.
Take action to make sure that you are fit and ready for your procedure. This is essential to avoid complications during surgery and prepare for a successful recovery.
Learn about free, local services in Norfolk and Suffolk that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
If you have a long-term health condition, it should be under control before your procedure. If you are not fit enough for surgery or your health condition is not under control, your procedure may be postponed. Get advice on managing long-term health conditions.
The Royal College of Anaesthetists has developed “Fitter Better Sooner” resources, which can help you prepare for your surgery both physically and mentally.
My Planned Care also has a section on keeping well and preparing for your procedure, with information on topics such as employment advice, money worries, sleep, support for carers, unplanned weight loss or malnutrition, and much more.
Support in Suffolk
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust and West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust have compiled a list of support services and resources for people awaiting treatment and surgery in Suffolk. From befriending services and housing support to pain management and help caring for pets. Browse the support on offer.
- Wait Well – East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Wait Well – West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
What to do if your situation deteriorates
If your symptoms get worse while you are on a waiting list, please contact your consultant’s secretary directly. They will arrange for your case to be reviewed and your consultant will consider whether they can bring your operation forward.
Please do not go to your GP if you want your hospital treatment to be brought forward.
Please note that not all the secretaries work full time and you may be asked to leave an answerphone message and some will get back to you in 5 working days.
If you are worried about your general health or another condition (not the one that you are waiting for an operation for) or your symptoms rapidly become worse, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. If it is a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
Further queries or concerns
If you have any further concerns, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team at your hospital. If you are leaving a message on their answerphone please speak clearly and calmly, not forgetting to leave your contact telephone number.
You can find contact details for the trusts that run each hospital in Norfolk and Suffolk below.
