LONDON, 3 November 2026 – Waiting for surgery can take a significant toll on
mental wellbeing, with research revealing that 86% of patients surveyed while
awaiting cardiac surgery reported worrying about their situation.
The study, published in BMJ Open in 2026, also found that more than six in ten
respondents felt their clinical team did not acknowledge the distress associated with
waiting for surgery.
Separate research published in Bone & Joint Open in September 2026, involving
851 patients awaiting hip or knee replacement surgery across 14 UK hospitals,
highlighted gaps in the support available for patients’ mental wellbeing.
The findings come as NHS waiting lists remain under significant pressure, with 7.33
million treatment pathways awaiting care in England in July 2026, according to the
Health Foundation.
For patients living with persistent pain, reduced mobility or uncertainty over when
treatment will take place, the emotional strain can affect sleep, relationships, work
and everyday life.
Ahead of Stress Awareness Day (4 November), My Medical Gateway (MMG), which
helps UK patients access private surgical treatment at accredited European
hospitals, shares five practical ways to help manage the stress of waiting for surgery.
1. Focus on what you can control
One of the biggest sources of stress when waiting for surgery is uncertainty. While
patients may have little control over when their treatment takes place, taking
practical steps can help restore a sense of control.
Keep a record of symptoms, write down questions for your consultant and make sure
you understand the next steps in your treatment pathway. Ask your healthcare
provider who to contact if your symptoms worsen or your circumstances change.
2. Don’t underestimate the impact of pain on your wellbeing
Living with persistent pain can affect sleep, mood and everyday activities, making it
harder to cope with the uncertainty of waiting for treatment.
Speak to your GP or clinical team about appropriate pain management, safe
movement and ways to improve sleep. Avoid pushing through activities that worsen
symptoms, and seek advice about exercises or adaptations that may help while you
wait.
3. Talk about the financial and practical pressures
For people who are self-employed or work in physically demanding jobs, waiting for
surgery can bring additional concerns about lost earnings, job security and
household finances.
Rather than allowing these worries to build, consider discussing practical
arrangements with your employer, family or support network. Planning ahead for
time away from work, recovery and any additional help needed at home can make
the situation feel more manageable.
4. Explore your treatment options
Not knowing when treatment will happen can leave patients feeling powerless, but
understanding the different routes to care may help reduce some of that uncertainty.
Patients can ask their health provider about expected waiting times to manage
expectations. For those considering private treatment, either in the UK or overseas, it
is important to research carefully, understand the full costs and check arrangements
for follow-up care.
5. Make time for your mental wellbeing
The emotional impact of waiting for surgery should not be dismissed. Maintaining
social connections, practising relaxation techniques and finding enjoyable activities
within physical limitations can help manage day-to-day stress.
Simple approaches such as breathing exercises, mindfulness or establishing a
regular sleep routine may be beneficial. If anxiety becomes overwhelming or begins
affecting everyday life, speak to your GP about additional support.
Recognising the wider impact of waiting, Sara Gezdari, spokesperson for My
Medical Gateway, said today:
“Waiting for surgery can take a considerable emotional toll, particularly when
pain or reduced mobility is affecting someone’s ability to work, sleep or enjoy
everyday life.
“The uncertainty can sometimes be as difficult as the physical symptoms
themselves. There are practical steps they can take to manage the stress and
feel more informed about their care. Understanding the treatment options
available is an important part of this.
“Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, seek advice and make
decisions that are right for their individual circumstances.”
My Medical Gateway connects UK patients with MMG-accredited private hospitals in
the European Union, with a guaranteed choice of three surgery dates within six
weeks of medical clearance.
-Ends-
For Further Information
Siân Covey, Head of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at MMG
Mobile: +44 7812 923 485
Email: [email protected]
Note to editors
About My Medical Gateway
My Medical Gateway (MMG) is a healthcare marketplace connecting UK patients with fully MMG-accredited private hospitals across the European Union. Patients can compare providers and fixed-price treatment packages offering high-quality, consultant-led care at up to 50% less than comparable UK private prices, with a guaranteed choice of three surgery dates within six weeks of medical clearance.
MMG combines a transparent platform framework governed by English law with comprehensive support throughout the patient journey, from treatment selection and diagnostics to booking, treatment and recovery. Treatment Packages include English-speaking patient coordination, structured aftercare and a post-operative review within 90 days, making private healthcare abroad simpler, more affordable and supported at every stage.
Learn more about MMG: www.mymedicalgateway.com
About MMG: www.mymedicalgateway.com/about
Research sources
BMJ Open (2026) – Study of patients awaiting cardiac surgery at four London NHS hospitals.
Bone & Joint Open (September 2026) – Research involving 851 patients awaiting hip or knee
replacement surgery across 14 UK hospitals.
Health Foundation – NHS elective waiting list data, July 2026.
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