Posted by The planned waiting list does not always get as much attention as it should. This is because there is not a specific NHS standard that measures it.
What is a planned procedure?
The definition of a planned patient is when the clinician makes a decision that the procedure needs to take place in a clinically appropriate time, eg 6 months time.
Most planned procedures are repeat or surveillance procedures. They are not on an RTT pathway.
What is not a planned procedure?
When a patient is referred by their GP and the clinician suggests a procedure as treatment they give a timeframe for when it needs to be done. If the timeframe is 6 weeks, this does not go on the planned waiting list. This is the patient’s first definitive treatment. They remain on an open elective RTT pathway.
Examples of planned procedures
If a patient needs a check procedure in 3 months time, then this is a planned procedure. If someone needs 3 sessions of ESWL, the first initial session is the treatment. Sessions 2 and 3 would go on the planned waiting list. They need to happen after each other.
Expected Date of Admission
An expected date of admissions is required when you add someone to the planned waiting list. In the example above of 3 months, the expected date of admission is the last day of the month eg 31.05.2025.
What do I do if the procedure is not completed by the expected date of admission?
If the procedure is not completed by the expected date of admission then they need to be put back onto an RTT pathway. How clear is your standard operating procedure (SOP) to do this?
How well is it being followed?
What is your process for monitoring your planned waiting list? When did you review it? How do you ensure that the right procedures are on your planned waiting list?
If you are unsure of the answers to any of these questions, then now is the time to review your planned waiting list.