Referral Process
In certain situations your GP or Nurse will need to refer you to other service providers such as a specialist clinic or a department within a local hospital. Each service provider manages referrals slightly differently. The different processes are outlined below.
Urgent Referrals
An urgent referral (previously known as 2 week wait or 2ww) is completed when one of our clinicians feels you should be referred promptly to the hospital. Please do not be alarmed by this as often it is precautionary, however it is essential you attend. If you are not contacted by the hospital within 2 weeks to book an appointment then you MUST contact us. Please note, the two week timeframe is for booking your appointment and does not necessarily mean you must attend within two weeks of referral. The hospital may offer this via electronic or non-electronic method (see below).
Electronic referrals
Often we refer via an electronic system called choose and book. In this instance a member of our clinical staff will make a referral to the relevant speciality/clinic. You will then receive your referral information via text*. You will then be able to booking your appointment online or over the phone.
*if you do not have a mobile, are under 16 or do not consent to receiving a text from us then you can request the referral information is printed. You can collect this information from reception after 5 working days. Please ensure you bring photographic ID with you to present to our reception team.
Non-Electronic Referrals
In this instance you will receive a letter or phone call from the hospital team offering you an appointment. Sadly, we at the Practice are unable to give you specific timeframes for when they will contact you with an appointment, as wait times vary widely. If you feel your referral is delayed and have received no information then please contact the secretaries of the relevant team you were referred too. Our Reception Team will not be able to chase referrals for you. You can find relevant secretary contact information here.
Radiology referrals
Your doctor may have referred you for a scan to investigate your symptoms or to monitor your condition. There can sometime be delays to this process. If after a reasonable time you have not heard anything back from the radiology (imaging) department please use the details below to contact them.
X-rays (Plain radiographs): For these scans please call the booking line on 01926 600007 then option 1 to arrange an appointment.
CT (Computed tomography), MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), USS (Ultrasound ‘Jelly scan’):
- Email: radiology.enquiries@swft.nhs.uk
- Call: 01926 600007.
