My hospital appointment or surgery is delayed – what can I do?

If your hospital appointment, medical tests, or surgery have been delayed or cancelled, we explain what to do if you're worried and when to get help. 

What's on this page

• I've been waiting for an appointment with a cardiologist but haven't heard anything - what can I do?
• What should I do if I get new or worsening symptoms?
• I can't get through to my GP - what can I do?
• My test has been delayed - is there anything I can do?
• My surgery has been cancelled or delayed - is there anything I can do?
• Where can I get help after a heart event or surgery?
• How can I keep healthy while I wait?
• How can I look after my mental health while I wait?
• What if I can't attend my hospital appointment?

I've been waiting for an appointment with a cardiologist but haven't heard anything - what can I do?

Unfortunately, some people have been waiting longer than usual for heart appointments, including appointments with cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. We know that these delays can be worrying, whether they're for a regular check-up to see how your heart is doing, if the appointment is for a new diagnosis, or something else.

If you’re worried that your appointment has been forgotten, you can contact your cardiologist’s secretary to ask if there are any updates. If you don’t have the contact details of their secretary, you can contact the switchboard of the hospital they work at and ask to be directed.

Remember that even though your appointment may have been delayed, help is always available. For example, if you think your health is getting worse, your GP practice may be able to contact the hospital on your behalf. And if you need support with a non-urgent question, you can get in touch with our Heart Helpline by phone or email. Our cardiac nurses are available each weekday from 9am to 5pm.

• Discover 3 signs to contact your doctor sooner.
• Find out how to get the most out of cardiologist appointments.
• Get tips for staying well while you wait.

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What should I do if I get new or worsening symptoms?

Whether you are waiting for an appointment, test, or procedure, it’s important to tell someone if you start to feel worse or get new symptoms. That person could be your GP, cardiologist or specialist nurse if you have one.

Knowing about the change in your symptoms will help them decide whether to bring forward your next appointment or any planned treatment. The NHS prioritises patients according to their clinical need. If your condition changes, you might get prioritised to be seen sooner.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an emergency such as heart attack or stroke, you must call 999 immediately. Emergency symptoms include:

• sudden pain or discomfort in your chest that doesn’t go away
• pain that spreads to your right or left arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach
• feeling sick, sweaty or short of breath for no reason
• facial weakness
• speech problems.

If you call 999, a first responder will be able to assess your condition and take you to hospital if needed. It’s better to wait for an ambulance rather than taking yourself to A&E, as the paramedics can start helping you as soon as they arrive and can let the hospital know you’re coming.

• If you are unsure whether your symptoms are urgent, visit our guide on when to seek medical help.
• Find out how to make the most of phone or video appointments.

I can't get through to my GP - what can I do?

Some people are having trouble making appointments with their GP. We know this can feel frustrating or upsetting, especially if you're concerned about your health. Don't give up - if your health is worrying you, it's important to get it checked out, even if services are busy. And this will help you to stay as well as possible in the longer term.

It's worth understanding the system your GP practice uses to make appointments to increase your chances of getting one. For example, if appointments are released at a certain time each day, try to call at that time. Some GPs have online booking systems that they ask patients to use if possible. It's worth taking the time to get to know how those work.

If you're really struggling to make an appointment, is there a relative or friend who you could ask to do it for you? And if that isn't an option for you, don't be afraid to phone the surgery and say that you can't use the booking system and that you need to make an appointment.

If you are regularly struggling to make any appointments, it's worth raising this issue with the practice manager at your surgery. Ask the receptionist how you can contact the practice manager.

Some GP appointments are currently happening via telephone or video consultation. We've got some tips on how to make the most of phone or video appointments, but if you struggle with this type of appointment and would much rather see your doctor in person, it's fine to ask if that's possible.

My test has been delayed - is there anything I can do?

If you're waiting for a test on your heart, you're not alone. We know that people are experiencing delays in getting a wide range of tests, such as ECGs, echocardiograms, pacemaker checks, angiograms and MRI appointments.

Hospitals are prioritising tests according to medical need. If your symptoms change or you are feeling worse, it’s important to let your cardiologist know so they can decide whether you need to be prioritised differently. If you feel unable to manage your symptoms, you should contact your GP or cardiologist and ask for medical help.

If you are experiencing emergency symptoms, ring 999.

• Read more information about when to seek emergency help.

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My surgery has been cancelled or delayed - is there anything I can do?

Many people are facing delays and cancellations of non-urgent surgeries and procedures. We know this can feel worrying and frustrating, as well as difficult if you are experiencing symptoms or are worried your condition will get worse.

The NHS prioritises treatment based on clinical need. If your symptoms or condition are worsening, it’s important to contact your cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon and let them know, as you may be prioritised differently. You can get in touch via your specialist’s secretary, or talk to your specialist nurse.

If you experience any  emergency symptoms, ring 999.

• Read more information about when to seek emergency help.

Although waiting for surgery can be difficult, try to make the most of the time you spend waiting. You can use this time to get in the best possible shape for your surgery, so that you can recover better after. This includes staying active (check with your healthcare team what exercises are appropriate for you), eating healthily and losing weight, if you are carrying excess weight. 

• Read more information about getting in the best shape for surgery. 

Where can I get help after a heart event or surgery?

If you’re recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or other heart event, it’s very important to get the physical and mental support you need. Get in touch with your local cardiac rehab team to see how they’re offering support at the moment. If you don’t know where your nearest cardiac rehabilitation programme is, find your nearest programme by visiting cardiac-rehabilitation.net, or contact our Heart Helpline.

We know that many people are still struggling to access local cardiac rehab classes. We created the online Cardiac Rehabilitation at Home programme to support you in your recovery. It includes guided exercise videos, rehab support, healthy eating tools, and information on managing your condition. You will need to check with your GP or specialist before starting any exercise programme.

If you’ve recently suffered from a heart attack or other heart event, the following articles may be helpful:

• The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation
• Emotional support and wellbeing

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How can I keep healthy while I wait?

Although waiting for an appointment, test or operation can be frustrating, there are things you can do to look after your health in the meantime. People often use the time to get to understand their condition or risk factors better. You might find our pages on heart and circulatory conditions, tests and treatments useful as a starting point.

It can also help to understand your symptoms, such as what triggers them and what relieves them. Try keeping a symptom diary, which can help you understand your condition better and and feel less anxious about how you feel day-to-day. Taking this along to future appointments may also be valuable for your healthcare provider.

You can also make the most of time spent waiting by being proactive about your health. Embrace any lifestyle changes you have decided to make. This could include staying active within the limits of your ability, making healthy food swaps, or stopping smoking. If you’re recovering from a heart event or preparing for surgery, regular exercise and eating healthily will build your stamina and improve your recovery.

• Explore our bank of heart-healthy recipes.
• Discover the 3 exercises that are best for heart health.
• Find out how to set health goals that work.

How can I look after my mental health while I wait?

While waiting to be seen, it's natural to experience feelings of stress and anxiety which can affect your wellbeing, both physically and mentally. If you feel anxious, whether about your health or something else, relaxation exercises such as mindfulness and controlled breathing can help to alleviate the tension. For instance, box breathing (also known as square breathing) can help you feel less stressed and more in control.

It can also help to stay connected with your support network and keep doing things you enjoy. Dealing with a health condition might limit what you can do, but being around others can take your mind off your worries. Talk about how you’re feeling, whether to family, friends, or support groups specific to your condition. Talking to others in a similar situation can provide reassurance while you wait for your appointment.

• Our free online community on HealthUnlocked is a safe space where you can connect with other people affected by heart and circulatory diseases.

If you find yourself with few people to turn to in times of crisis, you also have the option of calling a specialised emotional support helpline such as the Samaritans. Some people find value in regular counselling, which can help you to develop coping strategies. If this is something you’re interested in, it’s worth speaking to your GP about your options, or referring yourself directly through the NHS.

• Explore tips for coping with anxiety when you have a heart condition.
• Find out how you can access talking therapy, if you're in England, through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).

What if I can't attend my hospital appointment?

If you can’t attend your hospital appointment, tell the hospital as soon as possible and they'll try to arrange a new one. If you don’t turn up to your appointment, you'll lose your referral and will have to ask your GP for a new appointment. This means you’ll need to wait again, so it's best to let them know in advance if you can.

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