NHS to Give Patients Three Weeks' Notice for All New Appointments

NHS England has announced plans to overhaul patient communications, ensuring that everyone receives at least three weeks' notice for all new planned medical appointments.

NHS Chief Executive Sir Jim Mackey said that trying to get clarity from the NHS had been "like walking through treacle" for far too many families, according to the announcement published on 3 July 2026. He described the current situation—where patients sometimes receive invitations days after appointments have already been missed—as "unacceptable".

Under the new standards, developed in consultation with patients, unpaid carers and organisations including The Patients Association, Healthwatch England and The King's Fund, all patients will receive clear confirmation via the NHS App when their GP referral has been accepted by a hospital specialist. The notifications may also be sent by text and letter, allowing patients to track their referral "in the way that you can for online shopping," NHS England reported.

The NHS will also provide regular updates at least every 12 weeks to check on patients' conditions, offer self-care advice while they wait, and advise what to do if their condition worsens. The guidance forms part of a broader drive to improve public experiences of the health service alongside reforms to reduce waiting times.