GP Referrals Part Two - The referral journey

Healthwatch Lincolnshire analysed local  results from a Healthwatch England national survey to gain insight into the process and peoples’ experiences of getting a referral from their GP practice over the past 12 months.  In Lincolnshire 56 respondents were referred for tests, diagnosis or treatment.

30% (17/56) of respondents had been referred previously for their symptoms/condition. There were two reasons why these respondents went back to their GP practice: their symptoms/condition had worsened/returned or they did not hear anything about the original referral.

Whilst 52% (29/56) of respondents got their referral on their first appointment, 43% (24/56) were ‘repeat visitors’ meaning they had two or more appointments about their symptoms/condition.

36% (13/36) of respondents were referred in less than a month after first going to their GP practice about their symptoms/condition. However, for others it took months or even years.

60% (22/37) of respondents received confirmation that their referral had been accepted in less than a month. Though, others never received any confirmation that their referral had been accepted.

Delays in the process resulted in 38% (21/56) seeking help from elsewhere:, including online, calling NHS 111 or A&E.

89% (50/56) of respondents experienced consequences as a result of delays in the referral process, including symptoms getting worse and ongoing pain.:

38% (21/56) of respondents were given information on why they were being referred. 1 in 5 (11/56) respondents were given information on how to manage their condition/symptom while waiting. Almost a third (16/56) of respondents were given no information.