Local NHS leaders say almost 100,000 overdue follow-up appointments are putting patients at risk at Derby and Burton hospitals. University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust reported 98,722 overdue appointments at the end of October, a figure described as concerning and worse than the previous year. The trust's leaders stated at a Tuesday meeting that the delays pose a risk to patient care. The largest backlogs are in ophthalmology, with nearly 20,000 delayed appointments, and cardiology, with 12,000.
Dr Gis Robinson, the trust's executive chief medical officer, said waiting longer for follow-up care is worrying and frustrating for patients. "While patients waiting for these appointments have already been seen by our services, we are clinically reviewing our waiting lists to make sure those with the greatest need are prioritised for their follow-up," Robinson said. The trust is adding more appointments, optimizing existing clinics and focusing on areas with the longest waits. Robinson noted this work is already helping thousands but said reducing the waits remains a key priority. The trust is also contending with worsening emergency care metrics ahead of winter. The share of emergency department patients waiting over 12 hours nearly doubled from 10 percent in August to just under 18 percent in October. Patients waiting over 45 minutes to be transferred from an ambulance into hospital increased from about 7 percent to almost 32 percent in the same period.
Leaders emphasized the need to address patients being treated in corridors before winter pressures intensify. Nearly 40 patients received care in emergency department corridors in September. Chief executive Stephen Posey said reducing corridor care is integral to winter planning and a huge staff focus. "While these spaces are safe, we recognise the impact this can have on privacy, dignity and patient experience and remain committed to reducing their use wherever possible," Posey said.
Posey apologized for the very long waits patients are currently facing. "We're very clear that we need to do better this winter," he said. The trust stated that most spaces defined as corridor care are extra beds within ward areas. Its winter strategy includes expanding same-day emergency care to assess, treat and discharge patients without overnight admission.
A trust spokesperson acknowledged that urgent and emergency care performance is not where they want it to be. "This is particularly important as we head into a busy winter period, so we are expanding services that allow more patients to be assessed, treated and go home on the same day," the spokesperson said. The trust is working with GPs, community services and ambulance partners to direct patients to appropriate care. At Queen's Hospital Burton, an extended ambulatory care service aims to treat suitable patients without hospital admission.