Staying informed while you wait for care
Many people across Peterborough are facing long waits for planned treatment or investigations. This can feel frustrating, worrying and uncertain. But you still have rights while you wait — and local services should keep you informed and involved in decisions about your care.
Healthwatch England has published new advice to help you understand what you should expect if you’re waiting for NHS treatment.
What you should expect from your care provider:
Even if you are waiting for a long time, NHS staff must:
Keep you updated about what will happen next and when
Explain clearly and in plain language, without medical jargon
Tell you why delays or cancellations happen, and what your options are
Involve you in shared decision-making about your care
Provide advice on how to manage your health while waiting
Tell you who to contact if your condition changes or gets worse
These are not “nice-to-haves” — they are part of providing safe, respectful care.
Support for your mental wellbeing
Waiting for treatment can affect your mental health. Feeling anxious, low, or worried is very common:
Talk to someone you trust
Ask your GP about local mental health support
In urgent distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
Healthwatch England has published new advice to help you understand what you should expect if you’re waiting for NHS treatment.
What you should expect from your care provider:
Even if you are waiting for a long time, NHS staff must:
Keep you updated about what will happen next and when
Explain clearly and in plain language, without medical jargon
Tell you why delays or cancellations happen, and what your options are
Involve you in shared decision-making about your care
Provide advice on how to manage your health while waiting
Tell you who to contact if your condition changes or gets worse
These are not “nice-to-haves” — they are part of providing safe, respectful care.
Support for your mental wellbeing
Waiting for treatment can affect your mental health. Feeling anxious, low, or worried is very common:
Talk to someone you trust
Ask your GP about local mental health support
In urgent distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
