Patient News
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is common and mostly affects children, but you can get it at any age. It usually gets better by itself after 1 to 2 weeks without needing to see a GP.
Check if it's chickenpox
An itchy, spotty rash is the main symptom of chickenpox. It can be anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox happens in 3 stages. But new spots can appear while others are becoming blisters or forming a scab.
Stage 1: small spots appear
The spots can:
- be anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful
- spread or stay in a small area
- be red, pink, darker or the same colour as surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone
- be harder to see on brown and black skin
The spots fill with fluid and become blisters. The blisters are very itchy and may burst.
The spots form a scab. Some scabs are flaky while others leak fluid.
Before or after the rash appears, you might also get:
- a high temperature
- aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
- loss of appetite
Chickenpox is very itchy and can make children feel miserable, even if they do not have many spots.
The chickenpox spots look the same on children and adults. But adults usually have a high temperature for longer and more spots than children.
It's possible to get chickenpox more than once, but it's unusual.
How to treat chickenpox at home
Stay off school or work
You'll need to stay away from school, nursery or work until all the spots have formed a scab. This is usually 5 days after the spots appeared.
Do
drink plenty of fluid (try ice lollies if your child is not drinking) to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort
cut your child's fingernails and put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching
use cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy
speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itching
bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub)
dress in loose clothes
Don't
do not use ibuprofen unless advised to do so by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections
do not give aspirin to children under 16
do not go near newborn babies, or anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them
do not scratch the spots, as scratching can cause scarring
Speak to a GP if:
- you're not sure it's chickenpox
- you're concerned about your child
Tell the receptionist you think it might be chickenpox before going in to a GP surgery.
Get advice from 111 now if:
- the skin around the chickenpox blisters is hot, painful and red, but redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- your child has chickenpox and is dehydrated.
- chickenpox symptoms suddenly get worse
- you're pregnant and have not had chickenpox before, or you're not sure, and you've been near someone with chickenpox
- you have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with chickenpox
- you think your newborn baby has chickenpox
Some people may be able to take medicine to prevent complications. It needs to be started within 24 hours of the spots appearing.
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
It's easy to catch chickenpox
You can catch chickenpox by being in the same room as someone with it. It's also spread by touching things that have fluid from the blisters on them.
When chickenpox can be spread
You can spread chickenpox to other people from 2 days before your spots appear until they have all formed scabs – usually 5 days after your spots appeared.
How soon you get symptoms after catching chickenpox
The spots start appearing around 1 to 3 weeks after you caught chickenpox.
Chickenpox in pregnancy
Most people get chickenpox during childhood, so it's rare to get chickenpox when you're pregnant.
If you do get chickenpox when you're pregnant, there's a small risk of your baby being very ill when it's born.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have not had chickenpox before and you've been near someone with it.
The chickenpox vaccine
You can get the chickenpox vaccine on the NHS if there's a risk of harming someone with a weakened immune system if you spread the virus to them.
For example, a child can be vaccinated if 1 of their parents is having chemotherapy.
You can also pay for the vaccine at some private clinics or travel clinics. It costs between £120 and £200.
Shingles and chickenpox
You cannot catch shingles from someone with chickenpox.
You can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before.
When you get chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. The virus can be triggered again if your immune system is weak. This causes shingles.
This can happen because of stress, certain conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is common and mostly affects children, but you can get it at any age. It usually gets better by itself after 1 to 2 weeks without needing to see a GP.
Check if it's chickenpox
An itchy, spotty rash is the main symptom of chickenpox. It can be anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox happens in 3 stages. But new spots can appear while others are becoming blisters or forming a scab.
Stage 1: small spots appear
The spots can:
- be anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful
- spread or stay in a small area
- be red, pink, darker or the same colour as surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone
- be harder to see on brown and black skin
The spots fill with fluid and become blisters. The blisters are very itchy and may burst.
The spots form a scab. Some scabs are flaky while others leak fluid.
Before or after the rash appears, you might also get:
- a high temperature
- aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
- loss of appetite
Chickenpox is very itchy and can make children feel miserable, even if they do not have many spots.
The chickenpox spots look the same on children and adults. But adults usually have a high temperature for longer and more spots than children.
It's possible to get chickenpox more than once, but it's unusual.
How to treat chickenpox at home
Stay off school or work
You'll need to stay away from school, nursery or work until all the spots have formed a scab. This is usually 5 days after the spots appeared.
Do
drink plenty of fluid (try ice lollies if your child is not drinking) to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort
cut your child's fingernails and put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching
use cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy
speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itching
bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub)
dress in loose clothes
Don't
do not use ibuprofen unless advised to do so by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections
do not give aspirin to children under 16
do not go near newborn babies, or anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them
do not scratch the spots, as scratching can cause scarring
Speak to a GP if:
- you're not sure it's chickenpox
- you're concerned about your child
Tell the receptionist you think it might be chickenpox before going in to a GP surgery.
Get advice from 111 now if:
- the skin around the chickenpox blisters is hot, painful and red, but redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- your child has chickenpox and is dehydrated.
- chickenpox symptoms suddenly get worse
- you're pregnant and have not had chickenpox before, or you're not sure, and you've been near someone with chickenpox
- you have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with chickenpox
- you think your newborn baby has chickenpox
Some people may be able to take medicine to prevent complications. It needs to be started within 24 hours of the spots appearing.
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
It's easy to catch chickenpox
You can catch chickenpox by being in the same room as someone with it. It's also spread by touching things that have fluid from the blisters on them.
When chickenpox can be spread
You can spread chickenpox to other people from 2 days before your spots appear until they have all formed scabs – usually 5 days after your spots appeared.
How soon you get symptoms after catching chickenpox
The spots start appearing around 1 to 3 weeks after you caught chickenpox.
Chickenpox in pregnancy
Most people get chickenpox during childhood, so it's rare to get chickenpox when you're pregnant.
If you do get chickenpox when you're pregnant, there's a small risk of your baby being very ill when it's born.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have not had chickenpox before and you've been near someone with it.
The chickenpox vaccine
You can get the chickenpox vaccine on the NHS if there's a risk of harming someone with a weakened immune system if you spread the virus to them.
For example, a child can be vaccinated if 1 of their parents is having chemotherapy.
You can also pay for the vaccine at some private clinics or travel clinics. It costs between £120 and £200.
Shingles and chickenpox
You cannot catch shingles from someone with chickenpox.
You can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before.
When you get chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. The virus can be triggered again if your immune system is weak. This causes shingles.
This can happen because of stress, certain conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy.
From 1 October 2023, the standards measuring waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment are being modernised and simplified. The changes have been developed by clinical experts and are supported by leading cancer charities.
The NHS is moving from the 10 different standards to three:
- Faster Diagnosis Standard: a diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of referral (set at 75%)
- 31-day treatment standard: commence treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat for all cancer patients (set at 96%)
- 62-day treatment standard: commence treatment within 62 days of being referred or consultant upgrade (set at 85%)
The main changes are:
- Removal of the Two Week Wait standard requiring a first appointment within two weeks
- Combining together the first and subsequent treatment 31-day standards to create one headline performance standard.
- Combining together the Urgent Suspected Cancer GP referral, Urgent Screening and Consultant Upgrade 62-day standards to create one headline performance standard for all patients.
Detailed information can be found below:
Cancer Waiting Time Standards :: Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance
Cancer Research UK explanation video which talks about the Faster Diagnosis Standard. Cancer Research UK also has information about cancer waiting times and what it means for patients here: CRUK Cancer Waiting Times
Patient information letter can be found in multiple languages here:
Patient information for urgent suspected cancer referrals :: Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance
From 1 October 2023, the standards measuring waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment are being modernised and simplified. The changes have been developed by clinical experts and are supported by leading cancer charities.
The NHS is moving from the 10 different standards to three:
- Faster Diagnosis Standard: a diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of referral (set at 75%)
- 31-day treatment standard: commence treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat for all cancer patients (set at 96%)
- 62-day treatment standard: commence treatment within 62 days of being referred or consultant upgrade (set at 85%)
The main changes are:
- Removal of the Two Week Wait standard requiring a first appointment within two weeks
- Combining together the first and subsequent treatment 31-day standards to create one headline performance standard.
- Combining together the Urgent Suspected Cancer GP referral, Urgent Screening and Consultant Upgrade 62-day standards to create one headline performance standard for all patients.
Detailed information can be found below:
Cancer Waiting Time Standards :: Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance
Cancer Research UK explanation video which talks about the Faster Diagnosis Standard. Cancer Research UK also has information about cancer waiting times and what it means for patients here: CRUK Cancer Waiting Times
Patient information letter can be found in multiple languages here:
Patient information for urgent suspected cancer referrals :: Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance
Online service makes registration easier for patients
We are using a new online service called Manor Park Medical Centre Register Online that makes it easy to register with our surgery.
New patients just need to fill in an online form to get started. They do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
Paper forms are available for people who need them.
The service is designed and run by the NHS. It aims to cut practices’ workloads and make GP registration easier for the public.
Online service makes registration easier for patients
We are using a new online service called Manor Park Medical Centre Register Online that makes it easy to register with our surgery.
New patients just need to fill in an online form to get started. They do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
Paper forms are available for people who need them.
The service is designed and run by the NHS. It aims to cut practices’ workloads and make GP registration easier for the public.
Slough residents aged between 55-74yrs are being invited to take part in preventative lung health checks.
Dr Kesar Sadhra, Slough GP explains how important it is to take up your offer if invited in Punjabi and in English.
English version: (123) Slough Targeted Lung Health Checks - why it's important to attend - YouTube
Detailed information can be found at Frimley Health website Slough TLHCs | Frimley Health and Care
Slough residents aged between 55-74yrs are being invited to take part in preventative lung health checks.
Dr Kesar Sadhra, Slough GP explains how important it is to take up your offer if invited in Punjabi and in English.
English version: (123) Slough Targeted Lung Health Checks - why it's important to attend - YouTube
Detailed information can be found at Frimley Health website Slough TLHCs | Frimley Health and Care
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Ultra-Processed Food: A Recipe for Ill Health?
Watch the episode at :BBC iPlayer - Panorama - Ultra-Processed Food: A Recipe for Ill Health?
The UK is facing a chronic illness epidemic, with diabetes rates at record levels and cancers in young people rising steeply. Now, there’s growing evidence suggesting this could be linked to the food we eat. Ultra-processed convenience foods contain chemicals that UK regulators say are safe, but Panorama investigates emerging scientific evidence of a link between some of these chemicals and cancer, diabetes and strokes.
Dr Kesar Sadhra talking to BBC Panorama team about the effects of Ultra-Processed Food.
Ultra-Processed Food: A Recipe for Ill Health?
Watch the episode at :BBC iPlayer - Panorama - Ultra-Processed Food: A Recipe for Ill Health?
The UK is facing a chronic illness epidemic, with diabetes rates at record levels and cancers in young people rising steeply. Now, there’s growing evidence suggesting this could be linked to the food we eat. Ultra-processed convenience foods contain chemicals that UK regulators say are safe, but Panorama investigates emerging scientific evidence of a link between some of these chemicals and cancer, diabetes and strokes.
Dr Kesar Sadhra talking to BBC Panorama team about the effects of Ultra-Processed Food.
There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:
o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or
o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.
since 1st July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:
South East Complaints Hub
NHS Frimley ICB
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1AY
Phone number: 0300 561 0290
Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.
Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.
Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.
Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.
There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:
o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or
o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.
since 1st July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:
South East Complaints Hub
NHS Frimley ICB
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1AY
Phone number: 0300 561 0290
Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.
Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.
Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.
Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.
We are really excited to share the water safety resources with you for this summer’s campaign. The resources are hosted on the West Berkshire Water Safety Partnership website including
Video made by local young people in Slough with Together as One:
Video with Olympic Gold Medallist swimmer Tom Dean:
Be #Waterwise this Summer - YouTube
Video by the friends and family of Michael Scaife who lost his like in the Jubilee River
Safety on the Jubilee River - remembering Michael Scaife - YouTube
These resources have been shared on our Frimley Health and Care website:
We are really excited to share the water safety resources with you for this summer’s campaign. The resources are hosted on the West Berkshire Water Safety Partnership website including
Video made by local young people in Slough with Together as One:
Video with Olympic Gold Medallist swimmer Tom Dean:
Be #Waterwise this Summer - YouTube
Video by the friends and family of Michael Scaife who lost his like in the Jubilee River
Safety on the Jubilee River - remembering Michael Scaife - YouTube
These resources have been shared on our Frimley Health and Care website:
Evening and weekend appointments are available with GPs and other healthcare professionals for people who find it difficult to take time off work or have other commitments during daytime hours.
The following evening and weekend GP appointments are available for our registered patients living in Slough
New Venue: Crosby House Surgery, 91 Stoke Poges Lane, Slough, SL1 3NY
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 18:30-20:00
Saturday 09:00-17:00
Appointments are pre-bookable through your usual GP surgery. There are a range of clinical appointments available with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and phlebotomy clinics (blood tests).
Evening and weekend appointments are available with GPs and other healthcare professionals for people who find it difficult to take time off work or have other commitments during daytime hours.
The following evening and weekend GP appointments are available for our registered patients living in Slough
New Venue: Crosby House Surgery, 91 Stoke Poges Lane, Slough, SL1 3NY
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 18:30-20:00
Saturday 09:00-17:00
Appointments are pre-bookable through your usual GP surgery. There are a range of clinical appointments available with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and phlebotomy clinics (blood tests).
The getUBetter MSK app is provided free of charge by Frimley Health & Care ICS for registered patients at GP Practices. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises, tips, and support to help you recover from a range of new, recurrent or long term conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
- Hip pain
You can self-refer to the app by clicking on this link
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. We will then send you an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter MSK app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or you can use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
The getUBetter MSK app is provided free of charge by Frimley Health & Care ICS for registered patients at GP Practices. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises, tips, and support to help you recover from a range of new, recurrent or long term conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
- Hip pain
You can self-refer to the app by clicking on this link
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. We will then send you an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter MSK app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or you can use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
FREE health and wellbeing classes led by local Health Professionals including Health Visitors and Midwives, for families who are pregnant, have a child 0-2yrs to support giving you and your child a healthy start
For more information or to speak to a member of the team call 01753 373464 between 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.
You can also book online.
FREE health and wellbeing classes led by local Health Professionals including Health Visitors and Midwives, for families who are pregnant, have a child 0-2yrs to support giving you and your child a healthy start
For more information or to speak to a member of the team call 01753 373464 between 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.
You can also book online.
Guide to NHS waiting times in England
If you're referred for a physical or mental health condition, you have the legal right to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment, or be seen by a specialist for suspected cancer, within maximum waiting times.
This right only applies to services commissioned by the NHS in England and does not include public health services commissioned by local authorities, maternity services, or non-consultant-led mental health services.
Your waiting time starts from when the hospital or service receives your referral letter, or when you book your first appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service.
During this time period, you may:
- have tests, scans or other procedures to help ensure that your treatment is appropriate for your condition
- have medicine or therapy to manage your symptoms until you start treatment
- be referred to another consultant or department
Your waiting time ends if a clinician decides no treatment is necessary, if you decide you do not want to be treated, or when your treatment begins.
This could include:
- being admitted to hospital for an operation or treatment
- starting treatment that does not require you to stay in hospital, such as taking medicine
- beginning fitting for a medical device, such as leg braces
- agreeing to have your condition monitored for a time to see whether you need further treatment
- receiving advice from hospital staff about how to manage your condition
Tip: Did you know that in most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you'd like to go to, as well as the clinical team led by a consultant or named healthcare professional?
For more information, see our guidance on NHS hospital services and accessing mental health service.
Information:
Check waiting times
If you're waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment, you can use the My Planned Care website to check the waiting times at your hospital.
Check hospital waiting times on the My Planned Care website
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – My Planned Care NHS
Maximum waiting times for non-urgent referrals
The maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter.
However, your right to an 18-week waiting time does not apply if:
- you choose to wait longer
- delaying the start of your treatment is in your best clinical interests, for example, when stopping smoking or losing weight first is likely to improve the outcome of your treatment
- it is clinically appropriate for your condition to be actively monitored in secondary care without clinical intervention or diagnostic procedures at that stage
- you fail to attend appointments that you had chosen from a set of reasonable options
- the treatment is no longer necessary
Maximum waiting times for urgent cancer referrals
The maximum waiting time for suspected cancer is 2 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter.
Note: Referrals for investigations of breast symptoms, where cancer is not initially suspected, are not urgent referrals for suspected cancer and therefore fall outside the scope of this right.
You have the legal right to ask to be seen or treated by a different provider if you're likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time specified for your treatment.
The hospital or integrated care board (ICB) will have to investigate and offer you a range of suitable alternative hospitals or clinics that would be able to see you sooner. If you're not happy with the organisation's response, you can complain by following the NHS complaints procedure.
NHS England has more detailed statistics on cancer waiting times
Compare waiting times
Waiting times may vary between hospitals, and you should consider this when choosing a hospital.
When you're referred for your first outpatient appointment, the NHS e-Referral Service lets you book the appointment at a hospital or clinic of your choice, on a date and at a time that suits you.
You can use the My Planned Care website to compare waiting times at different hospitals.
The length of time you wait will depend on your specific treatment and clinical needs, and you could be seen quicker or wait longer than the waiting time shown.
What happens if my operation is cancelled at the last minute?
If the hospital or service cancels your operation at the last minute (on or after the day of admission) and for non-clinical reasons, they should offer another binding date within 28 days or fund your treatment at a date and hospital of your choice.
If you're not offered an appointment within 28 days, you should complain to your local ICB using the NHS complaints procedure.
If your operation is cancelled before the day of admission, the hospital or service is not obliged to provide an alternative option within 28 days.
Guide to NHS waiting times in England
If you're referred for a physical or mental health condition, you have the legal right to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment, or be seen by a specialist for suspected cancer, within maximum waiting times.
This right only applies to services commissioned by the NHS in England and does not include public health services commissioned by local authorities, maternity services, or non-consultant-led mental health services.
Your waiting time starts from when the hospital or service receives your referral letter, or when you book your first appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service.
During this time period, you may:
- have tests, scans or other procedures to help ensure that your treatment is appropriate for your condition
- have medicine or therapy to manage your symptoms until you start treatment
- be referred to another consultant or department
Your waiting time ends if a clinician decides no treatment is necessary, if you decide you do not want to be treated, or when your treatment begins.
This could include:
- being admitted to hospital for an operation or treatment
- starting treatment that does not require you to stay in hospital, such as taking medicine
- beginning fitting for a medical device, such as leg braces
- agreeing to have your condition monitored for a time to see whether you need further treatment
- receiving advice from hospital staff about how to manage your condition
Tip: Did you know that in most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you'd like to go to, as well as the clinical team led by a consultant or named healthcare professional?
For more information, see our guidance on NHS hospital services and accessing mental health service.
Information:
Check waiting times
If you're waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment, you can use the My Planned Care website to check the waiting times at your hospital.
Check hospital waiting times on the My Planned Care website
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – My Planned Care NHS
Maximum waiting times for non-urgent referrals
The maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter.
However, your right to an 18-week waiting time does not apply if:
- you choose to wait longer
- delaying the start of your treatment is in your best clinical interests, for example, when stopping smoking or losing weight first is likely to improve the outcome of your treatment
- it is clinically appropriate for your condition to be actively monitored in secondary care without clinical intervention or diagnostic procedures at that stage
- you fail to attend appointments that you had chosen from a set of reasonable options
- the treatment is no longer necessary
Maximum waiting times for urgent cancer referrals
The maximum waiting time for suspected cancer is 2 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter.
Note: Referrals for investigations of breast symptoms, where cancer is not initially suspected, are not urgent referrals for suspected cancer and therefore fall outside the scope of this right.
You have the legal right to ask to be seen or treated by a different provider if you're likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time specified for your treatment.
The hospital or integrated care board (ICB) will have to investigate and offer you a range of suitable alternative hospitals or clinics that would be able to see you sooner. If you're not happy with the organisation's response, you can complain by following the NHS complaints procedure.
NHS England has more detailed statistics on cancer waiting times
Compare waiting times
Waiting times may vary between hospitals, and you should consider this when choosing a hospital.
When you're referred for your first outpatient appointment, the NHS e-Referral Service lets you book the appointment at a hospital or clinic of your choice, on a date and at a time that suits you.
You can use the My Planned Care website to compare waiting times at different hospitals.
The length of time you wait will depend on your specific treatment and clinical needs, and you could be seen quicker or wait longer than the waiting time shown.
What happens if my operation is cancelled at the last minute?
If the hospital or service cancels your operation at the last minute (on or after the day of admission) and for non-clinical reasons, they should offer another binding date within 28 days or fund your treatment at a date and hospital of your choice.
If you're not offered an appointment within 28 days, you should complain to your local ICB using the NHS complaints procedure.
If your operation is cancelled before the day of admission, the hospital or service is not obliged to provide an alternative option within 28 days.
Importance of Bowel Cancer screening. Why you should do it , By Dr Kesar Sadhra
Importance of Bowel Cancer screening. Why you should do it , By Dr Kesar Sadhra