Referrals

When your GP refers you to a hospital or specialist, here’s what to expect:

• Referral Process – Your referral is sent to the hospital, and we will either:
  • Give you information about how to book your hospital appointment
  • Tell you the hospital will contact you with an appointment. This can take time.
• Checking Your Referral – You can track and manage your referral in the NHS App
• Waiting Times – Routine referrals can take weeks or months. We cannot speed up hospital waiting lists. If you are worried about delays, you can contact the hospital directly.
• Tests & Results – If the hospital specialist orders tests, they will arrange them. Test results come from the hospital, not the GP. Contact the hospital for updates.
• Medicines – If the hospital prescribes new medication, they should provide the first prescription. Your GP may only continue prescribing if the medicine can be prescribed by GPs they receive a letter from the hospital confirming the treatment plan.

If Your Condition Changes – If your symptoms get worse while waiting, let us know. We may review your care or refer you back to the hospital if needed.

If you have questions about the waiting time to be seen by the hospital you can speak to their Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS):

• Telephone: Guy’s & St Thomas’ PALS – 020 7188 8801
• Telephone: King’s College PALS – 020 3299 3601