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Referral Services

Last Updated: Monday, 07 April 2025

Our clinicians may refer you to other NHS services, specialists, or hospitals when appropriate for your care. Below you'll find information on how referrals work, what to expect, and how you can track your referral.

Patient information leaflet: What Happens When You Are Referred By Your GP To See A Specialist

 

Types of Referrals

Your GP or another clinician at the practice may refer you:

  • To hospital specialists for further investigations or treatment
  • For diagnostic tests such as x-rays, blood tests, or scans
  • To community services (e.g. physiotherapy, mental health support, or podiatry)
  • For urgent or routine referrals, depending on your clinical need

 

NHS e-Referral Service (Choose and Book)

When a referral is made through NHS e-Referral Service, you will receive:

  • A letter or email with your booking reference number (UBRN) and a list of hospitals or clinics you can choose from
  • Instructions on how to book your appointment online or by phone

 

Book or Manage Your Referral:

Visit the official NHS e-Referral Service to:

  • Book, check, change, or cancel your appointment
  • Track the progress of your referral - you will need your UBRN and the access code provided to access your referral

 

What If I Haven't Head Anything?

If you haven't heard from the hospital or service within 4-8 weeks of your referral being made:

  • First, check your email, post and voicemail for any missed communication
  • Contact the hospital or service directly (if known)
  • Alternatively, contact the surgery and we will assist you in following up

 

Referral to Hospital by Your GP

When your GP refers you to a hospital or specialist, they will:

  • Explain the reason for your referral
  • Let you know if it's urgent or routine
  • Send relevant medical information to support your care 

Most hospital appointments are managed directly by the hospital once your referral is received. We recommend that you keep your contact details up to date with the practice to avoid delays.

 

Urgent Suspected Cancer Referrals (Two-Week-Wait)

If your GP feels that your symptoms may need further investigation to rule out cancer, they may refer you under the NHS Two-Week-Wait pathway. This means:

  • Your referral will be treated as urgent
  • The hospital aims to offer you an appointment within 2-4 weeks
  • This does not mean your GP thinks you have cancer - it simply ensures that any serious conditions are identified and treated as quickly as possible

What you need to do:

  • Ensure your contact details (especially your phone number) are correct and that you are available to take calls from the hospital
  • Ensure you are available to attend an appointment at the hospital within 2-4 weeks of being referred - you should let your GP know urgently if you are unavailable during this timeframe
  • If you haven't heard from the hospital within 14 days of your referral, please contact the surgery

What happens next: 

  • You will be contacted directly by the hospital to arrange your appointment
  • The appointment may be for a test, scan or to see a specialist
  • Your GP will receive a copy of the hospital's findings however are not required to follow-up - patients are encouraged to contact the hospital to discuss any results

Resources:

 

Private Referrals

If you choose to see a consultant or specialist privately, our clinicians are happy to support this by providing a referral letter when appropriate.

Please note:

  • You will need to arrange the private appointment by yourself and provide the practice with the name of the consultant, the hospital/clinic, and a contact number or email address
  • The referral letter will be sent to the provider directly or given to you to pass on
  • If you decide to go private and then return to NHS care, you may need a new NHS referral.
  • There is a £25.00 charge for writing a private referral letter

For more information, please click the link below

Private Referrals

 

Further Support and Concerns

If you would like to discuss your referral, have not heard from the hospital, or wish to raise a concern or make a complaint about a referral:

Please click the link below for information and contact details for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), who can help support you.

Expedite Letters