NHS Referrals.docx
Dear Patient,
We understand that being referred to a hospital or specialist service (known as secondary care) can be a time of uncertainty, and we want to ensure you are fully informed about what to expect and how your NHS GP can support you.
🏥 What Happens After a Referral
Once your GP has referred you to secondary care, your care is transferred to the specialist team. This means:
- Appointments and Waiting Times: The hospital or clinic will contact you directly with appointment details. Your GP does not have access to their scheduling systems and is unable to expedite or track your position on the waiting list. You can estimate waiting times by looking at this website, https://myhealth-devon.nhs.uk/ and contact DRSS on 01626 883888 to track the progress of your referral. If you feel you are waiting too long contact PALS on 01392 402093
- Tests and Investigations: Any tests ordered by the specialist should be arranged and followed up by their team. Your GP is not responsible for chasing results or interpreting investigations requested by secondary care.
- Prescriptions and Treatment: If the specialist recommends new medication, they should issue a prescription directly. Your GP will not initiate medication suggested by your consultant. We will continue to prescribe on the NHS only if it is clinically appropriate, licensed, and in line with local prescribing guidelines. In some cases, the hospital may need to initiate treatment before your GP can continue it. Please do not ask us to initiate medication on behalf of your hospital team. This should be done by them.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: Ongoing care related to your referral—including follow-up appointments, monitoring, and discharge planning—should be managed by the specialist team. Your GP will be informed of any outcomes and may be involved in your care once you are discharged back to primary care.
📌 Your Role and How We Can Help
- Please ensure the hospital has your correct contact details.
- If you have not heard from the hospital within the expected timeframe, you may contact their appointments team directly. See above contact details.
- If you receive test results or letters from the hospital, you are welcome to share them with us if you feel they are relevant to your ongoing care.
We remain committed to supporting your health and wellbeing, and we will always do our best to help within the scope of our role. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
The Bovey Tracey & Chudleigh Practice