The medical secretaries spend a lot of time talking to patients about their referrals. Most of those enquiries are regarding timescale.
To explain the referral system; following instruction from a clinician the medical secretaries make an onwards referral to the appropriate hospital department and all the information relating to that referral is sent to the patient.
Once the referral is in the hands of the hospital the medical secretaries have no further input and are unable to expedite appointments without GP authorisation that is based on there being a serious clinical reason to do so.
You’ll be aware from current media reports that nationally waiting lists are overwhelmed. Please consider very carefully before contacting the surgery when you are unhappy with the date you’ve been given as there is very little we can do about it and really you need to enquire direct to the hospital yourself or contact their Patient Advice & Liaison Service if you are not happy.
Please note however this does not apply to ‘fast track’ referrals for potential cancer diagnosis which are responded to within two weeks at the latest.
We recognise this can be upsetting for our patients but we value your understanding & patience.
Thank you.
F0r more information visit: https://whileyouwait.org.uk
