The main purpose of this project is to identify where delays occur along elective surgical waiting-list
pathways in Northwest London (NWL) and understand how these delays affect patient outcomes. The
work initially focuses on adult elective surgical pathways and aims to produce practical evidence to
support service planning and investment decisions across NWL.
This project will benefit patients by helping the NHS identify where delays in the elective surgery
pathway are longest and most harmful (to patients and to the health system), so that improvements can
be targeted where they will make the biggest difference. The findings will support the use of effective
digital and operational solutions to reduce waiting times, lower the risk of emergency admissions while
waiting and improve fairness so that all patient groups benefit from faster access to surgery.
