The Partnership and the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trust (WYAAT) are looking for local people to join a new citizens’ panel
Throughout the pandemic, hospitals have continued to carry out urgent surgery and diagnostic tests for cancer and other potentially life-threatening conditions. However, the necessity to treat patients with Covid-19, staffing and capacity issues, and the essential safety restrictions in place since March 2020, have created a growing backlog of people needing their planned care procedures.
As we cautiously move out of lockdown, and with the vaccination programme showing positive results, hospitals are now working hard to restore planned care services in the safest possible way for patients and staff.
To address the increased waiting list, hospitals are:
- assessing the needs of all patients whose care may have been delayed due to the pandemic;
- prioritising and rescheduling appointments and operations;
- making sure that patients most in need, including those with cancer, receive their treatment as a priority;
- working with the wider health and care network to identify and introduce collaborative ways of working that deliver real improvements to the care of patients; and
- continuing to work diligently, and with an absolute determination, to provide the best care and timely support for patients and their families.
We’re looking for adult panel members who are currently on the waiting list for a planned care procedure, or who have a close connection with an adult or child who is waiting. We want to know how people have been affected by delays to planned care as a result of the pandemic. We’re also keen to hear examples of how people are managing their symptoms and what, if any, activities or support services they are finding helpful. People’s personal experiences of what it’s like to wait a long time for treatment will be invaluable as hospitals continue their work to restore planned care services and address the backlog.
This citizens’ panel of people waiting for surgery due to the pandemic will help us shape the way we communicate with others in the same position. Having clear information around how planned care services are being restored, such as how patients will be prioritised for treatment and what support is available for those waiting for a procedure, will be essential. The panel’s input and expertise will help make sure that public information is relevant, clear and that it gets to the people who need it – patients and their families, carers and service users across the area.
The Planned Care Citizens’ Panel will be in place for 12 weeks from 21 June to 10 September 2021. It will represent people who are on the waiting list for planned care, of all age groups, ethnicities, genders and with experience of different health conditions. The panel will meet online every two weeks to discuss how planned care services are being brought back, and to share thoughts and experiences.
There’s more information about the new citizens’ panel and how to apply (by 13 June) on the Planned Care Citizens’ Panel page here.
