Referrals

GP Referrals

If you have been referred by one of our GPs the information below may be useful to know. Please appreciate that NHS referrals can take some time depending on the speciality you are referred to.

Our GPs can also refer patients to private providers. It's best if you have a rough idea of which clinic and specialist you wish to be privately referred to if this is something that interests you.

NHS e-Referral Tracking

If your doctor has referred you to a specialist for further care you will be asked to book your appointment using the ‘NHS e-Referral’ system.

You will receive a letter from us within 2 weeks giving details of how to book your appointment and any passwords you may need.

To track your e-Referral you will need the following details to log into the e-Referral website:

  • Your date of birth
  • Reference number – this will be on the first page of your letter
  • Password – this will be on the second page of your letter

To track an e-Referral, click here.

What If My Condition Is Worsening?

The patient hotline for elective care was established to field enquiries from patients who are on an elective management pathway at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (awaiting new or follow-up outpatient appointment, diagnostic or elective admission) and are concerned that their condition or symptoms are deteriorating.  Patients may have had their treatment postponed as part of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak or simply be awaiting their first appointment or next steps in their treatment.

The aim of the hotline is to:

  • avoid patients having to return to their GP to raise concerns about their condition or symptoms with a view to expediting care
  • ensure there is clear route in for enquiries where patients are concerned about their condition
  • help keep patients safe whilst waiting for treatment as all enquiries and concerns will be assessed by a clinician

The hotline can be contacted by phone on 0800 0357777 or by email to rcht.cornwall.patienthotline@nhs.net. Enquiries are then directed to the appropriate specialty for clinical review and appropriate action.