Health News

Changes to Cancer Waiting Times Standard

Following the National changes to Cancer Waiting Times, which came into effect on October 1, 2023 – please find some further information below to assist with communications about these changes, for staff and patients across Wessex:

Changes to Cancer Waiting Times Standard

Access to practices

Information for patients on how to access the surgery, there are videos on social media to reassure patients they can still contact a GP. A video Choosing the right service video for anxiety over sick children and one directing patients to choose the right service starting with NHS111 and their pharmacy. Dr Barbara Rushton Video Directing patients to the right service video – when to access primary care, and using NHS 111 Online to determine your symptoms

Contacting your GP Practice

Please click on the below link:

GP Pathway

Cancer Earlier Diagnosis

Early Diagnosis

Video Early Cancer Diagnosis

Please see below link for Healthwatch Hampshire, with frequently asked COVID-19 Health and Care questions:

Health Watch Wokingham website

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

NHS 111: How do I book a timeslot at A&E

For patients concerned that they may have coronavirus or may have come into contact with someone who has, the NHS 111 online service has created coronavirus pages that tell patients what they should do based on their particular circumstances.

For patients concerned about their children having the coronavirus

NHS urgent mental health helplines

NHS urgent mental health Helplines

Recognition and referral of suspected lung cancer in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

With the challenge of diagnosing lung cancer being further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to be alert to the risk of lung cancer in your patients.

Urgent referrals for suspected lung cancer have seen a sustained reduction as a result of COVID-19 and have been slower to recover compared with other cancer pathways, with lung referrals at the end of July still only at 57% of the February 2020 weekly average.

Read our one-page guide for information and practical advice on managing patients who are presenting with suspected lung cancer during the pandemic, including national guidance.