Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them?

Healthwatch Somerset has been finding out how local people have been affected by waiting for surgery in Somerset. As the local survey closes, Healthwatch England have launched a national survey about waiting times, giving people another chance to share their story.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many people having their operations, treatment and appointments cancelled or delayed.

The NHS had to postpone non-urgent elective care treatment when the pandemic hit, freeing up inpatient and critical care capacity. While this helped medical staff respond to the crisis, it has resulted in a huge backlog of people waiting for treatment.

The latest data shows that the number of people waiting for routine operations and procedures in England is at its highest level since 2007 – currently at 5.45 million.

Impact of delayed treatment

The impact of delayed treatment can be huge, potentially leaving you in pain and affecting both your physical and mental health. It can even stop you working and performing day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning, shopping, and caring for others.

What could be improved?

It's essential that while you wait for treatment, you get support to manage your health and wellbeing in a way that is best for you. If you need hospital treatment, you should be receiving advice and information from the NHS about how to look after your health while you wait. You should be kept informed about the dates of your treatment and where you are on the waiting list.

Share your views to help people waiting for care

It's vital that decision makers hear your experience of waiting for care as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent backlog. Whether it's gynaecological surgery, a knee replacement, or a biopsy you're waiting for, if you've got a story to tell, Healthwatch is here to listen.

If you have already shared your feedback with Healthwatch Somerset, your views will be shared with Healthwatch England.

Everything you share is confidential and will help Healthwatch to understand what needs to be put in place to better support people waiting for treatment like you. So, whether your experience is good or bad – we want to hear it.

Help us to help the NHS better support people like you by completing Healthwatch England's short survey and telling us your experience of waiting for care. Share your views - here : the survey site

If you would prefer to get in touch with Healthwatch Somerset, call Freephone 0800 9991286 or email [email protected].