6 Week Scheduling is a process some departments use to manage their outpatient appointments. Appointments will only be scheduled 6 weeks in advance of their due date.

UCLH is introducing new ways of managing outpatient appointments to help us see as many patients as possible at the right time, in the right place, and in the most appropriate way, whether that is face to face, by telephone, or via video consultation. 

Without 6 Week Scheduling, when we receive a request for an appointment, we book the next available slot, even if it’s several months away.

Often, patients are unable to attend and don’t inform us in advance. As a result, the appointment goes unused and cannot be offered to someone else. This costs us about £167 per appointment.

Booking appointments closer to the time reduces patient and hospital cancellations.

Under the new system, patients will be placed on a waiting list according to clinical need. Those who require more urgent care will be prioritised. Appointments will be made approximately 6 weeks in advance, working down the list in order.

If, for any reason, an appointment needs to be rearranged, by you or by us, your original place on the list is kept. You will not be moved to the back of the queue.

If your appointment has been requested to be more than 6 weeks away:

  • You will be added to our secure electronic waiting list.
  • You will receive confirmation (via your preferred communication route) around 6 weeks before you are due to be seen.

If your appointment has been requested to be within 6 weeks:

  • You can book directly through the clinic receptionist or administrative team
  • Please let us know about any dates or times that don’t work for you

If you already have an appointment booked and the service that you are under is moving to 6 Week Scheduling:

  • You may be contacted if your appointment needs to be cancelled
  • Our clinical teams will review the waiting list carefully to make sure patients are seen at the right time, or to discuss other care options if needed.

FAQs

The waiting lists are an electronic record held on UCLH’s systems. Our administration team carefully manages these lists, and they will ensure that all patients are booked according to clinical need.

You will receive a letter around 6 weeks before your appointment is due confirming the date, time and location of your appointment. You can contact the local service team who will be able to give you an estimated date based on the services wait times.

Services at UCLH are gradually transitioning to the new booking process, however, not all services have adopted this approach yet. For some specialties, 6 week scheduling may not be appropriate, so clinical and operational teams are working closely together to carefully assess its suitability.

If a service is following the 6 week scheduling booking process, then you will be made aware either when your referral is accepted or when you require a follow up appointment.

  • Reduced hospital cancellations
  • Reduced DNA (Did Not Attend) rate
  • Reduced patient cancellations
  • Improved patient experience