Healthwatch Suffolk reveals 'epidemic of pain' among hospital wait patients

Why it matters: Waiting for hospital care is seriously affecting people's lives, with the county's Healthwatch service concluding that NHS systems must continue to review how people are supported whilst waiting for treatment.

The big picture: Healthwatch Suffolk's research has revealed how the wait for care can alter the very foundations of people's lives, affecting jobs, financial security, relationships, independence, and mental and physical wellbeing.

Wendy Herber, Independent Chair of Healthwatch Suffolk, said: "Our findings have revealed how the wait for care can alter the very foundations of people's lives. It shrinks people's worlds and, in some cases, it affects jobs and financial security, relationships, people's independence, and can seriously impact people's mental and physical wellbeing. We are seeing an epidemic of pain that needs to be addressed."

The details: The organisation's research found that two-thirds of patients expecting treatment said they did not know how long their wait would be, while three in five people were not satisfied with communications about their wait.

Patients waiting for gynaecology were amongst the most likely to be impacted by a longer wait for treatment, while those with vulnerabilities such as mental health difficulties, caring responsibilities, or disabilities reported longer average waits for treatment.

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What they're saying: Karen Lough, Director of Operations (Elective Care) at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Ipswich Hospital, said: "We welcome the valuable findings shared by Healthwatch Suffolk and recognise where improvements are needed. We do not want any of our patients to be in pain, or to be waiting, any longer than necessary."

What's next: Local hospitals extensively supported the research and plan to address the report's key findings and recommendations. The James Paget will work on improving how it communicates with patients waiting for elective care, whilst West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is developing its 'waiting well' programme with a specific focus on supporting patients to manage pain.

ESNEFT assured the public that their “teams continue to work hard to reduce the backlog of people waiting for care and treatment in the communities we serve. This includes increasing our capacity and running additional clinic and surgery lists, including at weekends.”

The bottom line: The research highlights an urgent need for improved communication with patients and enhanced support systems to help people cope with lengthy waits for NHS treatment, particularly in the area of pain management.