Keeping well while waiting

Elective surgery and procedures

Across the NHS we have had to focus on our COVID-19 response and patients who are in most urgent need of treatment. This priority is being assessed by clinical need and not necessarily the length of time an individual has been waiting.

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is here for its patients and we will do all we can to get you the care you need as soon as possible.

If you are waiting for a hospital appointment, operation or treatment, support is available if you need it.

My Planned Care

The NHS has recently launched the My Planned Care digital platform for patients.

This gives you direct access to the latest average wait time information for NHS trusts, including Royal Papworth Hospital, as well as helpful advice and support whilst you wait.

Updated weekly, the site is easy-to-use and is ‘open access’ so your carer, friends, relatives, and your NHS team can also access this information. 

Managing pain

If you are in pain or discomfort while waiting for an appointment or treatment, you can find help and advice on managing ongoing pain on the NHS website.

If it is getting worse or you are finding it difficult to cope with, please contact your hospital team. Alternatively you can contact your GP practice or NHS 111.

Mental health

People sometimes feel worried or anxious before a hospital appointment or treatment.  This is perfectly normal. Some people might also find that an existing mental health condition gets worse.

You can find helpful links for mental health support on the NHS website:

• Information and support for your mental health.
• Every Mind Matters: advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

If you are finding that your feelings are becoming too intense or difficult to cope with, if you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS psychological therapies (IAPT) services. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral. Find an NHS psychological therapies service.

Healthy living

The NHS website has lots of free tools and support to help with:

• Losing weight
• Getting active
• Quitting smoking
• Drinking less

These actions are good for your health generally, but if you are due to have an operation, they can also help you to recover more quickly from it.

Worries about money

Waiting for your hospital treatment could be affecting how many hours you are able to work, and how much you are earning.

The Government website has advice on disability and sickness benefits. This includes information on:

• Applying for the personal independence payment (which has recently replaced the disability allowance).
• Attendance allowance.
• Employment support allowance
• Extra help for things like wheelchairs if you need them.

Do you look after others?

People who look after other people with health needs are often known as carers.

If you are looking after someone regularly because they are ill, elderly or are a disabled person – including your family members – then you are a carer.

You may help them with washing, dressing, taking medicines, getting out and about, or travelling to healthcare appointments. You may also help them with things like shopping, cleaning and laundry and organising their money.

Carers might give emotional support like sitting with the person they care for to keep them company or watching over someone if they cannot be left alone.

The NHS website contains useful information on support and benefits for carers, including how to get a carer’s assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions