Waiting Well
Waiting Well is a programme to support you to prepare well, both physically and emotionally, before your treatment or surgery. Surgery can be hard on your body and mind. Being at your best when having surgery will reduce risks.
Why it’s important to prepare
- Physical inactivity
- Frailty
- Obesity or malnutrition
- Smoking
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Physical activity
- Psychological wellbeing
- Nutritional support
How Waiting Well works
Clients are identified as suitable from treatment or surgical waiting lists; you will receive a phone call from the team who will explain the programmes we can offer. Your GP cannot refer you and you cannot refer yourself to Waiting Well.
If you are eligible, you will then be invited to attend an initial assessment. This will either take place telephone, virtually or in person. During this appointment we will discuss and look at each of the risk factors. We will work with you to identify changes you can make to improve your recovery from your treatment or surgery. Many of these will also have long-term benefits on your health.
We will work with you to develop your personal health and wellbeing plan. This will usually comprise an individual exercise programme alongside other interventions to support any lifestyle changes that you wish to make, such as stopping smoking.
If at assessment the team feel that you need to additional support, you will be referred to our team of allied health professionals for specialist support. These include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Dietician
As part of the Waiting Well programme, the Get Set for Surgery team have created a series of short videos to support you while you wait for treatment or surgery. Each session is designed to help you prepare both physically and emotionally — offering practical tips and guidance to help you feel more confident, informed, and in control.
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How we've helped
26-year-old Alex Graham lives with a rare genetic condition which severely affects his ability to use his feet. Whilst waiting for complex ankle surgery Alex had faced significant challenges: low muscle tone, poor strength, and being underweight – all factors that could impact his fitness for surgery and his subsequent recovery. Alex had spent several years...
Waiting Well resources
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Useful linkOfficial information from NHS about County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust including contact details, directions, opening hours and service/treatment details.
Brought to you by Waiting Well
A programme for patients selected from surgery or cancer treatment waiting lists who are supported whilst they wait to ensure they are physically well in readiness for the surgery or
