What is an urgent referral?

If your GP has arranged for you to have tests or to see a hospital doctor (specialist) urgently, this may be to investigate your symptoms further. You might have some tests to find out what is wrong and whether or not it could be cancer.

How quickly will I be seen?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may have to wait longer for your appointment. Some of the UK nations have targets around how quickly you would normally be seen, but there may be delays at this time.

In England, an urgent referral means that you should see a specialist within 2 weeks.

Please contact 01925 662744 if you have not heard about your referral in 2 weeks

Does this mean I have cancer?

It is normal to worry when you are urgently referred to see a specialist by your GP. However, more than 9 in every 10 people (90%) referred this way will not be diagnosed with cancer.

Please see links below for more useful information:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-symptoms/what-is-an-urgent-referral https://publications.cancerresearchuk.org/publication/your-urgent-referral-explained

My Planned Care

 

https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/nwest/

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.

This site is updated weekly and can be viewed by anyone, which means you, your family or carer as well as your NHS team can all see the latest information.

Your hospital team will be in touch with you as soon as they can. If you are looking for an update, please check this website before contacting your hospital or GP.