GP referrals: part 1 – the referrals black hole

GP referrals: part 1 – the referrals black hole HealthWatch commissioned Panelbase to carry out an online survey covering two distinct groups who had an appointment with their GP practice in the past 12 months. Firstly, those who either expected or requested a referral for tests, diagnosis, or treatment, but didn't get one, and secondly, those who were referred for tests, diagnosis or treatment. Panelbase heard from 2,144 people overall. The figures quoted in this briefing are based on the 626 patients who fall into the first group. Fieldwork was completed October 2022. The survey was also shared via the Healthwatch network (1,825 respondents overall, of which 357 respondents were in the “not referred group”) and comments from both surveys are used to support the analysis and provide quotes for this briefing. The briefing shares people’s experiences and the impact behind these figures.

See also:

• GP referrals: part 2 – the hidden waiting list HealthWatch