Waiting for a Hospital Appointment or Treatment?
We understand that waiting for hospital care can be really difficult, especially if you’re in pain or worried about your health.
What Is an ‘Expedite’ Letter – and Do They Work?
Sometimes patients are advised to ask their GP for an “expedite letter” to try to bring a hospital appointment forward. We completely understand why you might ask — it’s hard to wait when you’re unwell.
However, hospital teams have advised GP practices that they do not usually act on expedite letters. Decisions about who is seen sooner are made by hospital specialists, based on clinical need and priority.
Requesting an Expedite - No Change to Symptoms or worsening condition
Expedite requests are not processed where there is no change in symptoms or the condition has not worsened.
Requesting an Expedite - Symptoms have changed or condition worsened
If you are waiting for an appointment with United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and your symptoms have changed or your condition has worsened, please contact the Patient Services Hub on 01522 573200.
The team will update your referral and request a clinical review to determine whether your appointment needs to be brought forward.
Please note: Any changes to the priority of your referral will be based on the outcome of a clinical review.