Hospital Referral Information

You've been referred.  What happens next?

If your GP has referred you to a hospital specialist and your referral has been accepted, you may still need to wait before receiving an appointment.

We understand this can be frustrating and that many patients want to know:

• Has my referral been accepted?
• Why haven't I received an appointment yet?
• How long will I have to wait?
• Who should I contact?

This page aims to answer these questions and help you find the right information without needing to contact the practice.

Has my referral been accepted?

If you were referred by your GP through the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS), you may be able to check your referral and appointment information online.

Patients can view referral information, waiting lists and hospital appointment details through the NHS App and NHS website.

In many cases, once your referral has been assessed and accepted by the hospital specialist team, the hospital will contact you directly when an appointment becomes available.

Some services allow online booking, while others will send an appointment by letter, text message or phone call.

Manage your NHS referral online

Please note: Your GP practice does not have access to hospital waiting list positions and cannot usually see when a hospital will offer your appointment. 

How long will I wait?

Waiting times vary considerably depending on the specialty you have been referred to, the urgency of your condition and hospital demand and capacity.

Patients are usually seen in order of clinical priority, not referral date alone. Some patients with more urgent medical needs may therefore be seen sooner. 

You can check current waiting time information for your specialty through the NHS My Planned Care website and the NHS App.

We understand that waiting for a hospital appointment can be frustrating. Once your referral has been accepted, it is managed by the hospital specialist team and their waiting list.

Your GP practice cannot expedite, prioritise or bring forward hospital appointments. If you would like an update on your referral, discuss waiting times, or request an earlier appointment, please contact the hospital directly.