Shake-up at Oswestry hospital spinal services as figures reveal patients face long waits only to be discharged

Shake-up at Oswestry Hospital Spinal Services

Hundreds of patients from England and Wales suffering from back pain have been waiting for up to a year at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), only to be told they do not require specialist treatment.

Referral System Under Review

Hospital leaders have been informed that the entire referral process for spinal problems is undergoing a major overhaul to address these delays.

Introduction of a Single Point of Access

In January, an NHS national team from the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme visited RJAH to introduce a new “single point of access” system. This approach is currently being trialled ahead of its official launch next year.

“The intention is to make sure that patients get ‘the right care at the right place at the right time.’”

Rising Referral Numbers and Capacity Challenges

A board meeting on November 5 revealed a nationwide rise in hospital referrals, impacting RJAH significantly. Referrals surged from 4,500 in 2018/19 to 6,802 projected for 2024/25. Of these, 4,021 come from England and 2,781 from Wales. The demand continues to outpace capacity, creating an imbalance.

“What’s really interesting is a 32 per cent discharge rate. That indicates a problem with our pathways when almost a third of our patients actually don’t need to be here.”

Long Wait Times

Patients are reportedly waiting around 52 weeks to be seen in the outpatient department, highlighting the strain on services.

Summary

The referral system at RJAH is being redesigned to reduce long waits and ensure patients receive appropriate care, as a significant portion currently does not require specialist treatment.

Shropshire Star — 2025-11-10