Referrals

 

Helpful information and guidance for patients waiting for a hospital consultation, treatment or surgery.

Whilst you are Waiting for your Hospital Appointment

What happens next?

The health care professional making the referral, usually your GP, will complete the referral to the hospital specialist. The hospital specialist will review the information and help decide how quickly you are seen.

When will I hear about my appointment?

Wait times very between different hospitals and departments. Its best to contact the hospital to find out about wait times.

I would like to be seen quicker, what can I do?

  • If you have already been seen at the hospital and are waiting for treatment, then please contact the hospital team to get a review.
  • If your condition is the same as it was on the day you were referred, then there will be no change in your waiting time, your GP won’t be able to help you get seen any quicker.
  • If your condition has worsened and you have not had your first appointment with the hospital, contact your GP surgery.

What can I do whilst iI'm waiting?

Anything you do to keep healthy will help you.

  • If you smoke: why not try quitting?
  • Try to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Keep active
  • If you are diabetic check your blood sugars are controlled.
  • Check your blood pressure.

Being Referred Privately?

What happens next?

The GP will write a referral that they think is appropriate and send it to the consultant that you have both agreed on, this will include any relevant medical details about you. Your private referral will be typed alongside all NHS referrals and does not take priority.

If an insurance company has asked for a specific form to be completed you will be charged for this additional work.

You should contact the consultants team directly to arrange an appointment. Should there be any appointment issues in the future, you should contact them directly.

What happens if I need a test or procedure?

If the consultant thinks you need any tests or a surgical procedure, the consultant is responsable for:

  • arranging the test and any medications that might be needed for this as well as explaining how and when you will receive a date and what to do if the date is not suitable for you; 
  • giving you the results and explaining what they mean (this may be done in a separate appointment with the Consultant or by letter).

You should not contact us to discuss results organised by others, its is the consultants duty to discuss these with you.

What should I do if I have any questions?

If you have any questions you should contact the consultant you have been referred to.

My Planned Care

Millions of patients on the waiting list for NHS care will be able to access support and check wait times at their fingertips thanks to a new online platform called My Planned Care.

The platform will allow patients and their carers to access information ahead of their planned appointment, operation or treatment through the touch of a button.

Visit My Planned Care

My Planned Care

Care Quality Commission
Overall Rating: Good

Kent House Surgery
36 Station Road
Longfield
Kent
DA3 7QD

Telephone: 01474 702 127

New Ash Green Surgery
New Ash Green
Longfield
Kent
DA3 8RH

Telephone: 01474 873 828

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