Urology - Urology Standby Patients

Due to high demand for NHS services, waiting times for surgery can be lengthy. Occasionally, patients are unable to attend their scheduled operation at short notice - either the day before or on the day itself. These are known as short notice cancellations.

To make the best use of available theatre time and help more patients receive their surgery sooner, we offer standby patient appointments.

A standby patient is someone who is prepared and ready to come in for surgery at short notice if another patient cancels. This means you may be offered an operation slot on the day, but only if a space becomes available. If no cancellations occur, your procedure will not go ahead that day.

What does it mean to be a ‘standby’ patient:

• You will be contacted if a space becomes available due to a cancellation
• This contact may happen a few days before the operation date or on the morning of the surgery
• If contacted on the day, you will receive a phone call between 8.45am and 9.30am. For an afternoon theatre list, you will be contacted before 2pm
• You should stay at home until you are called. Only come to hospital if you are told there is a space for you
• If you are offered the slot, you must be able to arrive at the hospital within 45 minutes of being contacted

What happens if my procedure does not go ahead?

• If you are not called in for surgery, your standby appointment will be cancelled
• You will not automatically be offered another standby date, but you can request to be considered again
• If your operation does not go ahead, you will be offered a new surgery date within 28 days of your standby date

How do I become a standby patient?

• Your clinician will discuss the option of being a standby patient with you once your surgery is planned
• If you agree, you will be placed on standby for up to six months
• You can change your mind at any time. Just contact the Booking and Scheduling Team
• Choosing not to be a standby patient will not affect your care or your place on the waiting list
• Please note not all consultants are able to offer standby surgery dates

If you have any further questions about being a standby patient, please contact the Booking and Scheduling Team.