As figures for the huge NHS backlog surface and reveal that there are over 6 million people waiting for healthcare in the UK, the NHS have launched their My Planned Care platform.
The new programme will allow patients who are waiting for care to access any support they need and check waiting times 'at the click of a button'.
The first stage will see 5.5 million of the total six million patients currently on the waiting list be able to see their average wait time at their local hospital.
Data from across 137 different NHS Trusts across England will be available on the site.
Currently patients can only see this limited information, however the NHS are looking to expand the platform in the coming months by including personalised information and additional patient support whilst on the waiting list.
Professor Stephen Powis, National Medical Director at NHS England, said: “Treating more than 600,000 covid patients in hospital over the last two years has inevitably had an impact on routine care and staff are doing everything they can to reduce the backlogs that have inevitably built up.
“We know that it can be frustrating for patients who are waiting and so this online site will help to give patients and their families crucial information about how long they might have to wait, helping them feel more informed about their treatment plan.
“And, as we have always said throughout the pandemic, it is vitally important that anybody who has health concerns continues to come forward, so that the NHS can help you get the care you need”.
The platform will eventually also include advice for stopping smoking and on diet and exercise. This is hoped to help ensure patients are fit and ready for surgery.
Sajid Javid. Health and Social Care Secretary said: “This first of its kind platform will give millions of patients more certainty over their own care no matter who they are or where they live.
“Alongside new surgical hubs to ramp up operations and Community Diagnostic Centres to provide faster diagnoses closer to home, the My Planned Care platform will help us put patients in control. The NHS is here for you and we want people to come forward, with this site offering crucial advice ahead of appointments and operations.
“It’s part of our plan to tackle the COVID backlog, backed by record investment to deliver 9 million more treatments, scans and operations by 2024″.
The My Planned Care platform forms part of a wide-range of plans to help tackle the backlog with more surgical hubs and diagnostic centres being rolled out to help cut down the waiting times for treatment.
