Referral information

A referral is when your GP or another healthcare professional asks a specialist service to become involved in your care.

Referrals may be made to:

• Hospital consultants and outpatient clinics
• Community healthcare services
• Diagnostic and imaging services
• Mental health services
• Physiotherapy and musculoskeletal (MSK) services
• Podiatry services
• Pain management services
• ADHD and Autism assessment services
• Other specialist NHS services

Not all conditions require a referral. Your GP will discuss the most appropriate treatment and management options for your individual need

Once your referral has been processed, the receiving provider becomes responsible for:

• Managing your referral
• Arranging appointments
• Managing waiting lists
• Contacting you with appointment information

You may receive correspondence by:

• Letter
• Text message
• Telephone
• Email
• NHS App

Please ensure your contact details are up to date to avoid delays in receiving important information.

Many referrals are made through the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS).

This allows eligible patients to:

• Choose from available providers
• Book appointments online
• Change or cancel appointments
• View appointment details

Further information is available on the NHS website.

If your GP refers you for a physical or mental health condition, in many circumstances you have a legal right to choose which NHS provider delivers your care. This can include NHS hospitals and independent providers that provide NHS-funded services.

When choosing a provider, you may wish to consider:

• Waiting times
• Location
• Accessibility
• Travel arrangements
• Patient feedback
• Previous experience with a provider

If you would like to discuss referral options or request a particular provider, please speak to your GP during your consultation.

Right to Choose is an NHS England patient choice scheme available to eligible patients in England.

This may allow you to choose certain NHS-funded providers outside your local area, including some providers offering ADHD and Autism assessments.

Before requesting a Right to Choose referral, patients should:

• Review the provider’s website
• Check referral requirements
• Complete any provider forms where required
• Discuss the referral with their GP

Further information is available through:

• NHS Choice Framework
• NHS Birmingham and Solihull Patient Choice
• ADHD UK Right to Choose guidance

Most referrals are processed within a few working days following your appointment. Urgent referrals are prioritised.

The receiving service will usually contact you directly by text message, letter, telephone, email, or through the NHS App

In many circumstances, yes. NHS Patient Choice allows eligible patients to choose between available providers for many physical and mental health services.

Right to Choose allows eligible patients in England to access certain NHS-funded providers outside their local area where NHS regulations allow.

Yes. If you are concerned about ADHD or Autism, please book an appointment with a GP to discuss your symptoms and available referral pathways.

Once your referral has been accepted, the hospital or specialist service is usually best placed to provide updates regarding:

• Appointment dates
• Referral progress
• Waiting times
• Cancellation lists

Once a referral has been accepted, appointment enquiries should be directed to the provider responsible for your care.

The practice cannot usually provide updates regarding hospital appointment dates or waiting list positions.

Once a referral has been accepted, waiting lists are managed by the receiving provider. The practice cannot usually expedite appointments unless there has been a significant change in your clinical condition.

If you do not attend an appointment, the provider may discharge you back to your GP. You may then need a further appointment before another referral can be considered.

If your symptoms worsen, change significantly, or you develop new concerns whilst waiting for an appointment, please contact the practice for further advice.

If you require urgent medical attention, seek appropriate urgent care immediately.

If your referral has already been accepted and you need information about an appointment, cancellation, or waiting list, please contact the provider directly.

Good Hope Hospital, Heartlands Hospital and Solihull Hospital

Telephone: 0121 424 1234

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

Telephone: 0121 371 7070

Sandwell Hospital

Telephone: 0121 507 4151

Birmingham Women’s Hospital

Telephone: 0121 335 8100

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC)

For appointment enquiries relating to:

• Community Orthopaedics
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Pain Management

Telephone: 0121 466 7600

NHS Birmingham and Solihull Patient Choice

www.birminghamsolihull.icb.nhs.uk/health-information/patient-choice

NHS Your Choices in the NHS

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs

NHS Choice Framework

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework

NHS e-Referral Service

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/hospitals/nhs-e-referral-service

NHS Guide to Waiting Times

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england