NHS admin 'doom loops' frustrating for patients

PATIENTS can get trapped in NHS admin “doom loops” that risk putting them off seeking care after having to chase test results.

- BY JANE KIRBY

Some have even been sent appointment reminders after the date has passed, a report says.

Patients even described receiving communication about cancer surgery before getting biopsy results or a diagnosis. Two-thirds of people have experienced at least one stressful issue in the past year.

As a result, for 41% of respondents, such experiences made them less likely to seek care in the future, says the study by the King's Fund, Healthwatch and National Voices.

Worse

The authors said: “The results overall make for difficult reading.