Hospital waits 'affecting lives' - watchdog

Waits for hospital treatment "are seriously affecting people's lives", a health watchdog has said.

Healthwatch Suffolk surveyed 1,400 patients expecting treatment, and a third of those said pain was having an impact on their lives".

The watchdog's chair, Wendy Herber, said: "We are seeing an epidemic of pain that needs to be addressed."

Two of the hospitals treating Suffolk patients said they would act on the watchdog's findings, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it was "delivering the investment and reform needed to get the NHS back on its feet".

Kirsten Alderson, chief executive of Suffolk Family Carers, said the report "is a dismaying reminder that many people are waiting for procedures whilst enduring pain and whilst their health deteriorates".

Patients were asked anonymously to share their experiences, with quotes shared in the report.

One person was waiting for orthopaedic treatment at the West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, said: "Frightened I'm going to fall over, which I have done as my hip has given away.

"My life and lifestyle has come to a halt."

One person, awaiting surgery for nose and sinus issues at the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, Norfolk, said they had been forced to cut their hours at work due to their symptoms.

"This has had a massive financial implication as my earnings have dropped by nearly £6,000," they said.

"This has caused me further financial difficulties; debt, stress and other health issues too."

A gynaecology patient at the hospital said: "I am in constant pain and struggling to continue with daily activities. Some days are a bit better, but generally not good.

"My mental health has been affected as I struggle to do anything social."

Ms Herber said: "Whilst recognising the good work that we know is already happening to clear wait lists, this report is asking some important questions of NHS leaders and is a timely opportunity to explore how we can prevent people from falling into crisis before they can be treated."

Dr Shane Gordon, executive managing director at the James Paget Hospital, said: "The James Paget will work on the considerations outlined in the report to improve how we communicate with patients waiting for elective care, and work in partnership to help them keep well while they are waiting."

Matt Keeling, deputy director of operations at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Waiting for treatment can bring a range of physical, mental and emotional challenges.

"We'll use these findings to develop our 'waiting well' programme, with a specific focus on supporting patients to manage pain."

A DHSC spokesperson said: "Because of the dire state of the NHS we inherited, patients around the country, including those in Suffolk, are waiting far too long for treatment.

"This government has already delivered almost 3.6 million extra appointments, helping hundreds of thousands of people get off the waiting list and get on with their lives, but we know there is more to do.

"Through our plan for change, we are delivering the investment and reform needed to get the NHS back on its feet and provide faster treatment for everyone who needs it, including those waiting in Suffolk."

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