Are you or your loved one waiting to get a GP referral? Share your views
One concern we’ve been hearing from the public is how hard it can be to get a GP practice referral to another NHS service. GPs are the first point of call for many health issues and the gateway to specialist support. But with many GP surgeries stretched thin and under pressure, it’s not surprising to hear people feel they’re stuck and unable to get the right support.
Examples of services your GP can refer you to:
- Scans or tests for a diagnosis of a condition or health issue;
- Mental health support;
- Surgery for knees, hips and eyes;
- Support like physiotherapy for back pain or arthritis;
- Non-urgent heart problems; and
- Wellbeing services, like smoking cessation or diabetes management.
The impact of delayed referrals
GP referrals affect people of every age group, every background, and every region across the country. Some of the things we’ve already heard include:
- People feel like their symptoms are dismissed;
- They have to try multiple times before they’re successful; and
- They are left in the dark about how serious their condition is.
We want to hear from you
There’s currently little data about people’s experiences getting a referral from a GP. We want to change this.
As the independent champion of health and social care services in England, we want to hear your experiences of trying to get specialist NHS support, like physiotherapy, talking therapies, hospital scans and consultations.
By sharing your story, we can use your feedback to help the NHS better understand your challenges and improve how people access the care they need.
So, if you’ve got something to say about GP referrals, don’t just talk to your friends and family – tell us too.
Jane's story
When this started in January, I was still working. But now my right leg is completely numb, so I can’t drive. I relied on my car, which means I am housebound now. I need help from friends and neighbours for everything.
In February 2022, Jane* began to experience acute pain in her right knee. The pain spread to her right thigh and lower leg. She tried calling her GP practice for an appointment 17 times, but she could not get through or book an appointment.
Eventually, she gave up calling and visited the practice in person. This visit bore some fruit – she was offered a physiotherapy appointment. But the exercises her physio gave her just made things worse.
As she tried to get an appointment, Jane’s condition deteriorated. She visited A&E on several occasions for pain management support. But it wasn’t just the leg pain anymore – now she’d started to have falls too . One fall caused a fracture in her foot.
By this point, Jane was in extreme pain. After two frustrating months of trying to see a GP, she made an appointment at a local private hospital. She saw a neurologist. After several visits, and with her savings quickly depleted, Jane’s neurologist suggested that to afford care, she should be referred back to an NHS doctor. But to do this, Jane would need a referral from her GP.
Jane waited one week for the GP to pick up her referral request from the neurologist before contacting the surgery.
“The practice said they are three weeks behind on opening their mail. So by the time a referral is even made, it will be at least another month.”
The constant cycle of pain and waiting for care has completely changed Jane’s life.
“When this started in January, I was still working. But now my right leg is completely numb, so I can’t drive. I relied on my car, which means I am housebound now. I need help from friends and neighbours for everything.
"I decided that I would have to retire because I can’t see any end in sight. My job was my life. I was defined by it, but suddenly I no longer am.”
* Not her real name
What is a GP referral and how can you get one?
When you need specialist NHS support, like hospital tests or treatment, you often need a referral from your GP first. Find out what this includes and what to expect.
