Waiting Well
Waiting Well
Waiting Well is a free 12-week one-to-one support programme designed to help you improve your health and wellbeing while you wait for planned surgery, so you can reduce your symptoms, be fitter for your operation and recover more quickly afterwards.
What’s included
1) Health Improvement Programme
You’ll receive a personalised 12-week plan with one-to-one support to help you reach your health goals.
Whether you’re managing Type 2 diabetes, improving nutrition, increasing activity, improving sleep and mental wellbeing, or quitting smoking, our team will work with you to set goals and support you with tailored advice and practical support.
Healthcare professionals can refer adults awaiting surgery into Healthworks Waiting Well service by contacting the Health Improvement team for information on: 0191 272 4244
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- Getting More Active
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- Healthy Lifestyle Advice
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- Stop Smoking Support
2) HealthWalks
You can also join our free weekly health and wellbeing walks, contact us on 0191 272 4244 to book a place.
These friendly, inclusive walks help you stay active, connected and moving more in your local community – an important part of preparing your body for surgery.
Why Waiting Well matters
Being in the best possible health before your operation can help you:
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Recover more quickly after surgery
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Reduce the risk of complications
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Improve your overall health and quality of life
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Use your waiting time positively to support your long-term wellbeing
This approach is sometimes called prehabilitation, and evidence shows that improving your physical and mental wellbeing before surgery helps your body cope better with the stress of an operation and aids recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waiting Well
What is prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation refers to steps you can take before surgery to improve physical fitness, manage health conditions, and support mental wellbeing. This can include healthy eating, being active, stopping smoking and managing stress – all of which can improve how your body responds to surgery and recover afterwards.
Who is Waiting Well for?
Waiting Well is for adults who are waiting for planned surgery and want to improve their health and wellbeing while they wait. It is especially helpful if you have long-term conditions, reduced fitness, or would like support to make healthy changes before your operation.
Do I need a referral to join?
Yes. Healthcare professionals can refer adults awaiting surgery into Healthworks Waiting Well service by contacting the Health Improvement team for information on: 0191 272 4244
Is the programme really free?
Yes, Waiting Well is completely free for eligible participants.
What happens during the 12 weeks?
You’ll receive one-to-one support tailored to your goals, alongside opportunities to join HealthWalks and other Healthworks services. The focus is on helping you feel fitter, healthier and more confident ahead of surgery.
What kind of support can I get?
Support may include help with:
- Becoming more active
- Eating more healthily
- Managing Type 2 diabetes
- Improving mental wellbeing
- Stopping smoking
- Building healthier routines
Do I need to be fit already to take part?
No. Waiting Well is designed for people of all abilities and fitness levels. Support is tailored to suit you.
Can Waiting Well help me recover faster after surgery?
Yes. Improving your health before surgery can help reduce complications, support recovery and improve overall health outcomes.
Where does the programme take place?
Waiting Well is delivered at several Healthworks venues across Newcastle, Northumberland, and Gateshead. Full details are provided once you are referred.
What if my surgery date changes?
That’s not a problem. The programme is flexible and designed to support you regardless of changes to your surgery schedule.
Can I still take part if I have more than one health condition?
Yes. The programme is designed to support people with multiple or complex health needs.
Get involved in Waiting Well
If you are over 18 and awaiting surgery, speak to your Healthcare Professional about accessing the Healthworks Waiting Well service. They can contact the Health Improvement team for information on: 0191 272 4244
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