In addition to removal from the waiting list once the planned procedure is performed, patients may need to be removed from the waiting list for other reasons
Hospitals should exercise discretion on a case by case basis to avoid disadvantaging patients in the case of genuine hardship, misunderstanding and other unavoidable circumstances.
Reason
Category 1, 2 & 3 Actions
Patient declines treatment
or
requests removal for other reasons.
Forward a copy of the RFA with a covering letter (Appendix 3) to the patient’s treating doctor informing them of the removal of the patient from the waiting list unless the treating doctor advises otherwise within 5 working days
Obtain authority for Category 1 (30 day) patients prior to removal from the waiting list
Once decision is made to remove a patient from waiting list:
Remove the patient from the waiting list
Advise the GP that the patient has been removed (Standard Letter Appendix 3)
Advise the patient of the removal on the waiting list (Standard Letter Appendix 3)
Advise referring doctor and GP that patient has been removed (Standard Letter Appendix 3)
Document actions on the RFA and the electronic record
Patient deceased
Obtain verification (usually verbally from the patient’s relative, general practitioner or specialist)
Remove patient from the waiting list
Document all actions on the RFA and the electronic record
Note: If a patient was initially removed from the waiting list due to reasons other than admission and in the following month the waiting list record needed to be re-activated for the same procedure, then the patient should be re-booked with the original listing date and history (clinical priority category and delays etc.).
5 RECORD KEEPING
Hospitals must keep accurate records of waiting list information.
5.1 Postponement of Planned Admission
Accurate records are to be maintained in the patient’s electronic record for patients postponing their elective surgery and the reason for postponement documented
A patient’s postponement history should be readily available to staff making decisions about postponing future patients
5.2 Removal of Patients from the Waiting List (other than admission)
All patients who have been removed from the waiting list (other than admission) require documentation in the patient’s electronic record detailing the reason for removal and the date of removal
Treating doctors and GPs will be advised by mail (Appendix 3)
Removal Reason
Information to be Recorded/Filed (RFA & Electronic)
Patient Deceased
Record the name of the person who has notified the hospital that the patient is deceased
