Referrals

Your GP will discuss with you and, if appropriate, your carer, about why a referral is being recommended. It is usually because your GP wants a specialist’s help in deciding on the best way to treat your condition. This might involve referring you for tests or investigations that cannot be carried out in a GP surgery. Your GP will also discuss with you what choices there are for where you can be referred.

GP practices and hospitals use different ways of arranging appointments:

• Electronic Referral Service (ERS): The surgery will either give you a reference number and a password you can use to book, change or cancel your appointment online or by phone. Alternatively they may book an appointment at your chosen hospital at a date and time that is convenient for you.

• Hospital letter: You may receive a letter from the hospital confirming your appointment. You need to reply as soon as possible and tell the hospital if you are unable to attend on the date offered. Alternatively, sometimes patients receive a letter asking them to phone the hospital to make an appointment with a specialist.

If you have any queries in relation to your referral appointment, please contact the hospital department directly, so they can help you.

Please view the what-happens-when-you-are-referred (PDF) for a referral checklist and more information.

If you have been referred to a hospital or clinic through the NHS e-Referral service, booking your appointment online is easy, safe and secure.

You’ll need:

• the booking reference number stated on your booking letter
• the password or access code you were given by the person or organisation that referred you (for example, your GP practice)

If you have been referred but don’t have your booking reference number or a password or access code, please contact the person or organisation that referred you.

Please visit NHS.uk for how to:

• check your appointment details
• change your appointment
• cancel your appointment
• cancel your referral

For more information, read about what happens when you’re referred (PDF).

In some cases you’ll have more than 1 clinic or hospital to choose from. The list of options will be the same if you book online or over the phone.

Before you select your clinic and appointment slot, consider all the options.

For example:

• How long do I have to wait for my first appointment?
• How quickly can I start my treatment?
• How far away is the hospital or clinic?

In most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you’d like to go to.

This will include many private hospitals, as long as they provide services to the NHS.

Learn more about your choices in the NHS.

If you want to be seen at a hospital or clinic, you’ll need to speak to your GP.

They’ll help you decide what care is best for you and make any necessary referrals.

Find out more about GP referrals.