Self referrals
There are a number of services locally that you are able to make self referrals to.
GP referrals
To request a GP referral:
- use our Klinik service
- phone us on 01767 316346
Provide as much information as you can as this will help us to process your request.
Referral Information
Generally, you cannot self-refer to a specialist within the NHS except when accessing physiotherapy, chiropody, sexual health clinics or accident and emergency (A&E) treatment.
As a registered patient at Saffron Health Partnership, you are entitled to ask for a referral for specialist treatment on the NHS. Should you wish to be referred to a specialist in a hospital, your GP will need to abide by the established criteria. It is likely that your GP will first suggest that you have various tests performed and try various treatment options to see whether your condition improves. Your medical records are held by the practice and all of our GPs have the ability to access your health history and treatments.
A specialist will only see you if you have been referred by your GP either through the e-Referral Service (e-RS). This referral will contain essential medical background information, such as your past medical history, medication and also details of the problem you wish to be referred for. We will assume consent for you to share this information with the specialist, as it is needed to complete the request. This may include sensitive data. If you wish this to be marked as ‘Private’ and not shared please do so at time of referral.
Referrals on the e-Referral Service (e-RS)
If there are appointments available you will need to book this yourself. The details will be sent to you in electronically or via the post. If there are no appointments available at the time of referral being made you will be sent a letter outlining details on what will happen next. This will include your booking reference number and access code.
If no appointments are showing then you will need to check the system on a regular basis.
If you are unsuccessful in booking an appointment then the hospital will be in touch with an appointment date.
When considering an NHS referral, we like to make sure that we are doing the best for our patients. In order for our GPs to keep up to date with the complexities of the referral process, we review their referral practices on a regular basis, to ensure we keep up to date with the latest guidelines.
If the team feel that there may be a more appropriate way to manage your condition/ symptoms, we will be in contact with you to discuss this.
PLEASE BE AWARE DUE TO THE COVID PANDEMIC WAITING TIMES HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
If you wish to be referred privately to see a private specialist, you are still advised to get a letter of referral from your GP.
Tracking a referral
To track an existing referral:
- use our Klinik service
- phone us on 01767 316346
Private Referrals
Please be aware that there is no specific timeframe for non-NHS work such as completion of holiday cancellation and insurance claim forms. However, GPs will aim to complete such requests as soon as possible.
Requests for routine private referrals will also be processed as soon as possible. However, please be aware that these do not take priority over routine NHS referrals.
Some private providers may not require any information from your GP to take to your appointment. Please check this with your chosen private provider prior to requesting a private referral letter from the Practice.
Where a private provider does require information from your GP (for example: a referral letter or a printout from your medical record), it is recommended that you do not book your private appointment until you have obtained from the Practice the information that you need.
Right to Choose Referrals
Autism & ADHD Referrals
If you are seeking an ADHD or Autism assessment, you may be eligible to use your NHS Right to Choose (RTC) to be referred to an alternative provider.
Right to Choose providers are usually independent healthcare organisations that hold an NHS contract to provide ADHD and/or Autism assessment services. Providers differ in what they offer, how assessments are carried out, their waiting times and the support available following diagnosis.
Choosing Your Provider
The practice cannot choose a Right to Choose provider for you.
You will need to research the available providers and decide which one best meets your needs. When making your decision, please consider the provider’s waiting time and, importantly, what care they offer after diagnosis.
For ADHD referrals, ADHD UK provides a useful list of Right to Choose providers, including information about the services they offer and approximate waiting times.
Once you have chosen your provider, please contact the practice and let us know. Our Secretarial Team will then contact you to complete the relevant paperwork, questionnaires and self-assessment forms required for your referral.
What Should I Check Before Choosing?
ADHD and Autism Right to Choose providers do not all offer the same service. Depending on the provider, their service may include:
- Online, remote or face-to-face assessment
- Diagnosis
- Starting ADHD medication, where appropriate
- Medication reviews and monitoring
- Ongoing follow-up and support
- Onward referral where required
Some providers may only offer an assessment and diagnosis and may not provide medication or ongoing care.
We strongly recommend checking exactly what is included before choosing your provider, particularly for an ADHD assessment where medication may be considered.
If your chosen provider cannot provide the treatment or follow-up you need, you may subsequently need to be referred to a locally commissioned NHS service. The local service may need to carry out its own assessment before accepting responsibility for your care, which could result in an additional wait.
Your Referral
There are a number of ADHD and Autism Right to Choose providers, and each may have different referral requirements.
To help us process referrals consistently, you will be asked to complete the relevant questionnaires and assessment forms. Our Secretarial Team will contact you to explain what paperwork is required once you have informed us of your chosen provider.
If your chosen provider requires additional clinical information, they may request this from the practice or contact you directly.
Diagnosis and Follow-Up
Many Right to Choose ADHD and Autism assessments are carried out remotely or online.
Please be aware that a diagnosis from a Right to Choose provider does not automatically mean that another NHS service will take over your ongoing care. A local service may wish to undertake its own clinical assessment before accepting responsibility for treatment or follow-up.
It is therefore important to consider what ongoing support your chosen provider offers before requesting your referral.
ADHD Medication and Shared Care
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and medication is recommended, medication would normally be started and stabilised by a specialist service.
Once you are stable on your medication, the specialist may ask your GP to continue prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement.
Shared Care Agreements are voluntary and are not automatically accepted by the practice. Your GP must be satisfied that prescribing can be undertaken safely, that appropriate specialist monitoring and follow-up are in place, and that timely specialist advice will be available when required.
For this reason, choosing a Right to Choose provider does not guarantee that the practice will be able to take over prescribing your ADHD medication.
Before choosing an ADHD Right to Choose provider, we strongly recommend checking whether they provide medication initiation, stabilisation and ongoing monitoring, and what will happen if your GP is unable to accept a Shared Care Agreement.