Expediting Hospital Appointments

Our policy

We understand how worrying and frustrating it can be to wait for a hospital appointment. We frequently receive requests to expedite patient's appointments, often from the consultant secretary team, and it is important patients understand the role of general practice.

Once your referral has been sent to the hospital, you are placed on their waiting list. As GPs, we unfortunately have no control or influence over hospital waiting times, appointment scheduling, or the order in which patients are seen. These decisions are made by the hospital based on their capacity and clinical prioritisation for their service.

If you are concerned you have waited too long for your appointment then please contact the hospital consultants secretary in the first instance. They should be able to give you more information about waiting times. If they advise you to contact the GP to ask us to expedite the appointment please note we will not do this if there is no clinical indication.

If you are waiting for a test or procedure by the hospital and feel your condition has worsened, please contact the relevant department directly who should be able to help you.

If you feel your condition has changed significantly, please contact the surgery to arrange a review.