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Hospital Referral Information
You've been referred. What happens next?
If your GP has referred you to a hospital specialist and your referral has been accepted, you may still need to wait before receiving an appointment.
We understand this can be frustrating and that many patients want to know:
- Has my referral been accepted?
- Why haven't I received an appointment yet?
- How long will I have to wait?
- Who should I contact?
This page aims to answer these questions and help you find the right information without needing to contact the practice.
Has my referral been accepted?
If you were referred by your GP through the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS), you may be able to check your referral and appointment information online.
Patients can view referral information, waiting lists and hospital appointment details through the NHS App and NHS website.
In many cases, once your referral has been assessed and accepted by the hospital specialist team, the hospital will contact you directly when an appointment becomes available.
Some services allow online booking, while others will send an appointment by letter, text message or phone call.
Book a hospital or clinic appointment
Please note: Your GP practice does not have access to hospital waiting list positions and cannot usually see when a hospital will offer your appointment.
I haven't received an appointment yet
This does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your referral or that it has been declined.
Once a referral has been accepted by the hospital, patients are often placed on a waiting list until an appointment becomes available. Due to high demand, appointments may not be immediately available, but patients will be offered an appointment as soon as possible.
You should contact the hospital directly if:
- It has been six months since your referral was accepted and you have heard nothing.
- Your contact details have changed.
- You believe you may have missed a letter, text message or phone call.
- Your symptoms have significantly worsened.
For questions about your referral, appointment or waiting time, please contact the hospital directly.
How long will I wait?
We understand that waiting for a hospital appointment can be frustrating.
Waiting times can vary significantly depending on the specialty you have been referred to, how urgent your condition is, and the number of patients currently waiting for treatment.
Patients are generally seen based on clinical priority, rather than simply how long they have been waiting. This means that some patients with more urgent medical needs may be offered an appointment before others who were referred earlier.
You can check current waiting times for your specialty on the NHS My Planned Care website or through the NHS App.
My Planned Care
My Planned Care gives you advice and support while you wait and helps you to prepare for your hospital consultation, treatment, or surgery. This includes giving you information about waiting times at your hospital and other supporting and local services while you wait.
Who should I contact?
Most referrals from our practice are sent to hospitals run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, including Musgrove Park Hospital, Yeovil Hospital and Bridgwater Community Hospital.
Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
Main Switchboard / Outpatients: 01823 333444
Yeovil Hospital
Main Switchboard / Outpatients: 01935 475122
Bridgwater Community Hospital
Outpatient Services and General Enquiries: 01278 436555
Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet
NHS Patient Enquiries: 0333 321 8278
Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI)
Appointments Centre: 0117 342 6888
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Main Switchboard: 0117 923 0000
Weston General Hospital
Main Switchboard: 01934 636363
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Outpatients
General Appointment Queries: 01823 342750
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
For concerns or support with hospital services: 01823 343536
Need help getting to your appointment? Some patients may be eligible for NHS-funded hospital transport. To check your eligibility, contact the Patient Transport Advice Centre on 01278 727444 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm). You may also be able to claim assistance with travel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my GP speed up my appointment?
Once a referral has been accepted, the hospital manages the waiting list. The practice cannot routinely expedite appointments.
If your condition has significantly worsened since referral, please contact the practice for clinical review.
Can the practice tell me where I am on the waiting list?
No. Hospitals manage their own waiting lists and the practice cannot see your exact position.
I missed my appointment. What should I do?
Contact the hospital department or appointments team directly as soon as possible.
Can I check my referral online?
Yes. Many referrals and hospital appointment details can be viewed through the NHS App or NHS e-Referral Service.