If the doctor feels he can't help you, and you need referral to a specialist, then he will arrange an appointment at a Community Clinic (run by GPs with a special interest in that subject and visiting Consultants) or write a letter to the specialist direct. We are obliged to use a government sponsored scheme called Choose and Book.
You Choose where you wish to be seen and you Book the appointment yourself at a mutually convenient time. Our medical secretary will write to you within a week or so with your paperwork, which will include a telephone number for you to ring and arrange your appointment and also a personalised password. It can even be done online!
Even if you prefer to use StHeliers, you still need to use the Choose and Book system. You will find that some hospitals can see you much quicker than others, though we do believe StHeliers gives a great service and is dependable.
The Community Clinics (if they exist for that particular specialty) can see you much quicker. Some clinics will require you to ring and arrange your referral.
It should be no surprise to you that most PCTs (health authorities) are overspent in their budgets, and as well as trying to cut down on our prescribing, we are regularly audited to make sure we are referring appropriately and not simply because the patient needs reassurance. The doctor will not always refer you at the onset, but will try his/her best to sort out your problem with medications and your help, as well as ordering tests. This will be the same with all surgeries in England, as they are all under the same financial pressures.