There may be times where your GP needs to refer you to other health and social care providers. Generally, you cannot self-refer to a specialist at a hospital within the NHS, except when accessing sexual health clinics or A&E treatment. A specialist will only see you with a letter of referral from your GP.
The letter will give the specialist essential information, such as your medical history, and it’ll also contain details that the specialist needs to pay particular attention to.
The GP will mark your referral as urgent or routine, based on your needs.
Your GP practice does not have access to waiting times for appointments. Please contact the provider to you have been referred to, directly, to discuss your appointment.
Other services you may access through your GP
As well as specialist referrals, your GP can help you find the right stop smoking services, weight loss service or other self-management programmes that help prevent or manage a condition.
Self-management programmes are not simply about educating you about your condition. They also let you take control of your health by learning new skills to manage your condition on a daily basis. But these services may not be available on the NHS and you may have to pay for them yourself.
Some areas may offer local schemes that allow patients to have subsidised access to gyms, exercise programmes or weight loss services.
It’s worth asking your GP if there are any local services that can help you.
Find services in your area
