Smiles and Miles

NHS Navigation · 56 pages

The NHS Waiting List Playbook

Independent guide to navigating NHS waiting lists intelligently — knowing your rights, escalation routes and when to switch providers under Patient Choice.

Smiles and Miles · Buyer's Guide

The NHS Waiting List Playbook

What's inside

  • 18-week RTT standard and what to do when the clock stops
  • Patient Choice: switching providers without losing your place
  • Escalation scripts: PALS, ICB and formal complaint routes
  • How to read a waiting list, honestly — median vs long-tail waits
  • When 'go private for the consultation' actually helps NHS speed
  • Devolved-nations differences (England, Scotland, Wales, NI)

Table of contents

  1. 1. How UK waiting lists actually work
  2. 2. Your rights under the NHS Constitution
  3. 3. Patient Choice and provider switching
  4. 4. Escalation: PALS, ICB, MP, Ombudsman
  5. 5. Hybrid NHS/private routes that speed things up
  6. 6. Region-by-region rule differences