New support service launched for North Wales patients on waiting lists
People in North Wales waiting for surgery or medical procedures can now access additional support thanks to a new service launched by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
The Self Care While You Prepare service provides a single point of contact for patients on waiting lists, offering advice on managing symptoms, making healthy lifestyle choices, and preparing for treatment.
Patients can also be signposted to health and wellbeing courses, available both in-person and remotely.
Supporting patients on waiting lists
The initiative was introduced in late 2024 and is currently focusing on supporting orthopaedic and ophthalmology patients.
However, by the end of March, the service will expand to cover all specialities.
Michelle Rigby, Strategic Lead for the Self Care While You Prepare service, said: “Towards the end of 2024 we launched our new service, although we are still a small team we will be developing over the next year.
“Our aim is to support those people who are on waiting lists and try to prevent any worsening of their conditions, promote healthy decisions and work with them to ensure that they are as fit as possible and ready for their treatment when the time comes.
“We have been contacting patients who are on our Orthopaedic and Ophthalmology waiting lists to offer them support but we will also be contacting patients from all other specialities by the end of March as our team grows. We also take calls from anyone who would like further support whilst they are waiting.”
The Welsh Government’s national 3Ps Waiting Well Policy underpins the service, aiming to ensure that people waiting for treatment in Wales receive the necessary support and information.
Patients and caregivers looking for further guidance can visit the health board’s website for more details on available services and resources.
The Welsh Government’s 3Ps Waiting Well Policy helps NHS patients in Wales by ensuring they have access to support and information while on waiting lists. The 3Ps stand for:
- Promoting healthy behaviours
- Preventing physical decline while waiting
- Preparing for treatment and recovery
