An NHS referral happens when a healthcare professional, usually a GP, sends a patient to another healthcare service for further assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. In many cases within the NHS, a referral is required before a patient can see a specialist doctor or consultant.
What is an NHS referral?
An NHS referral is when a healthcare professional directs a patient to another service for specialist care.
Most referrals are made by GPs, although other healthcare professionals may also refer patients in certain situations.
Examples of services patients may be referred to include:
- hospital consultants
- diagnostic services such as scans or blood tests
- physiotherapy services
- mental health services
- autism or ADHD assessment pathways
Source: NHS patient referral guidance.
Why GPs make referrals
GPs are responsible for providing primary care and assessing a wide range of health concerns.
If a GP believes further investigation or specialist expertise is required, they may refer the patient to another NHS service.
Common reasons for referral include:
- symptoms requiring specialist investigation
- diagnostic tests that cannot be done at the GP practice
- specialist treatment or surgery
- mental health assessments
What happens after a GP referral?
After a referral is made, the receiving service will review the information sent by the GP.
The service may then:
- accept the referral and place the patient on a waiting list
- request additional information from the GP
- redirect the referral to a more appropriate service
Referral to Treatment (RTT) explained
Many NHS referrals fall under the Referral to Treatment (RTT) pathway.
In England, the NHS aims for patients to start treatment within 18 weeks of referral for many services. However, waiting times can vary depending on the specialty and region.
Referral to Treatment Pathway
Source: NHS England RTT guidance.
How long do NHS referrals take?
Referral waiting times vary widely across the NHS.
Factors that influence waiting times include:
- the type of specialist service
- demand for the service
- local healthcare capacity
- the urgency of the referral
Some referrals may lead to appointments within weeks, while others may take longer depending on waiting lists.
Can you choose where you are referred?
In many situations, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital or specialist service they are referred to.
This is known as patient choice within the NHS.
The choice may depend on:
- the type of treatment needed
- available providers
- local commissioning arrangements
What if your referral is delayed?
If you have been referred to a specialist service and are waiting for an appointment, you may wish to:
- contact the hospital or clinic to confirm the referral
- speak with your GP practice
- check waiting time information for the service
Waiting lists vary across specialties and regions.
Navigating NHS referrals
Referrals are a key part of how patients move through the NHS system.
Understanding how referrals work can help patients navigate the healthcare system more confidently.
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Sources
This article summarises publicly available information from:
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