Referrals to Secondary Care—Please be advised that the GP has no influence on Secondary Care waiting lists.
What is a referral?
In cases where a GP or Allied Health Professional may feel that you need to be seen by secondary care (i.e. a Hospital Consultant or Mental Health Services) a referral is made on your behalf to be seen.
Sending the referral
The referral is written up with your past medical history and details of why the referral is made.
The referral will be sent electronically via a secure, NHS system.
Urgent of routine
The referral will be sent either as Urgent, or Routine.
GPs are often asked to change referrals due to the length in waiting lists to be seen. Many patients are understandably anxious about time frame to be seen. Please be assured that all referrals are checked by the receiving department and clinically prioritised regardless of having a routine or urgent marking.
How can I find out where I am on the waiting list?
The department you are referred to can advise on this.
We know waiting lists are long and a cause of anxiety but your GP is unable to find out on your behalf.
Update your contact details with your GP
Remember to keep your contact details on your GP records up to date as this will show on your referral.
Update your contact details with your GP
Remember to keep your contact details on your GP records up to date as this will show on your referral.
Useful Contact Numbers
St John’s Hospital: 01506 523000
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh: 0131 536 1000
Western General Hospital: 0131 537 1000