Understanding Waiting Times from Referral to First Appointment
In 2025/2026, one of our key priorities was to gain a better understanding of waiting times between referral and a patient’s first appointment. To support this, we carried out a survey focused specifically on people’s experiences of waiting for care after being referred.
We wanted to hear directly from patients about what happens during this period — including how long they waited, how well they were kept informed, and how the experience affected them. By gathering this feedback, we aim to build a clearer picture of local experiences.
The insight from this survey will help us highlight what is working well and identify areas where improvements can be made, ultimately supporting health services to deliver more timely, effective, and patient-centred care.
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Report - Waiting times from Referral to First Appointment
