Thousands of patients see NHS hospital referrals lost in black hole'

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The Independent emphasizes on-the-ground coverage across issues including reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech while relying on reader donations and avoiding paywalls. A new Healthwatch England study reports that one in seven patients awaiting hospital treatment experience referrals that are lost, rejected, or never dispatched, equating to 14 per cent. Seven out of ten affected patients only learned they were not on a specialist waiting list after they personally followed up with NHS teams. The poll surveyed 2,622 adults across England, finding 23 per cent dissatisfaction and 62 per cent satisfaction with the referral process. Healthwatch notes that poor communication, delays, and uncertainty from long waits affect health, well-being and work capacity.

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