As part of my ongoing efforts to free up more GP appointments across Lancashire, last November I asked that hospital trusts accept self-referrals for audiology appointments instead of needing a GP referral.

I was delighted that Trusts were open to this, and that there was dialogue with the Integrated Care Board to facilitate a new system, which I was pleased to encourage.

I’m delighted to share the news that this system is now up and running! I’d like to pass on a huge thanks to the Integrated Care Board and local NHS Trusts who have made this a reality.

“Too many GP appointments are used for making administrative referrals into other services and delaying patients getting the right care.

 

I want to free up more GP appointments, and have been pleased to successfully push for more self-referrals directly into hospital services to achieve this.

 

Allowing people across Lancashire to now refer themselves into audiology services will get patients to the right place and take away some of that burden from GPs, allowing them to focus on seeing more patients most in need who they can make a direct and positive difference to.”

 

~ Cat Smith MP

Related news:

UPDATE: Plans for self-referral for hearing services! [April 2024]

UPDATE: Audiology Self-Referrals are coming! [January 2024]

Cat tells Trust to Help GPs: Allow Audiology Self-Referals! [November 2023]