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Waiting Safely

Even though waiting can be a frustrating time, there are things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing while you wait. As part of our commitment to patient safety, we are signposting patients to trusted sources of information.

Average waiting times

Please visit the My Planned Care website to find out the average waiting times for hospital appointments and treatment by selecting the service you have been referred to. If you are unsure which service you have been referred to, please check any letters you have received from the hospital.

Check average waiting times

Physical health and wellbeing

Keeping fit is not only important to your wellbeing, but it also helps speed up your recovery after surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting active or quitting smoking can help your physical wellbeing. The NHS website contains helpful advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.

NHS healthy living advice

Mental health support

Waiting for an appointment can cause worry and low mood. If you are struggling with your mental health, the NHS offers urgent support and talking therapies. Speak to your GP, or use the NHS 111 service online if you are not sure where to turn.

NHS mental health services

Community support

Our Live Well Hubs and local partners can help with money worries, housing, employment, energy costs and social connections — the things that affect our health as much as medical conditions. Patients, visitors and colleagues can refer themselves.

Support for your condition

If you are waiting for a particular appointment, these trusted organisations offer information about your condition and how to manage symptoms while you wait.

  • Ear, nose and throat (ENT): for ENT-related conditions and procedures, we recommend visiting the ENT UK website.
  • Renal (kidney): for kidney-related conditions and support, we recommend visiting the Kidney Care UK and UK Kidney Association websites.
  • Gastroenterology: for gastroenterology-specific information, we recommend visiting the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership’s “While You Wait” website.

National support helplines

  • NHS 111 – call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for urgent medical help when it is not a 999 emergency.
  • NHS website – nhs.uk for conditions, treatments and healthy living.

If your symptoms get worse

If you are worried about your symptoms while you wait, please contact your GP. In an emergency, call 999. Please do not wait for your appointment if you feel seriously unwell.