Referral to Hospital

What Happens When You Are Referred to Hospital

Seeing Your GP:

Your GP will discuss with you and, if appropriate, your carer, about why a referral is being recommended. It is usually because your GP wants a specialist’s help in deciding on the best way to treat your condition. This might involve referring you for tests or investigations that cannot be carried out in a GP surgery. Your GP will also discuss with you what choices there are for where you can be referred.

What happens if I need a test or procedure?

Normally, if the specialist thinks you need any test, investigation or surgical procedure, the specialist is responsible for:

• arranging the test, investigation or procedure, explaining how and when you will receive a date and what to do if the date is not suitable for you; and
• giving you the results and explaining what they mean (this may be done in a separate appointment with the specialist or by letter).

What if I need a Fit Note (previously known as Sick Note?

If you need to be certified as unfit for work following treatment by a specialist:

• The specialist should issue you with a Fit Note.
• The Fit Note should cover the period they expect you to be unfit to work, or until your next contact with the specialist.

You should not need to see your GP to get a Fit Note following hospital treatment, unless your inability to work is unexpectedly prolonged.

If you have been referred to hospital for specialist investigation or treatment, please download the Patient Referral leaflet for more information about what to expect.