Referrals to a Specialist
For more details on what to expect when you are referred to see a specialist or consultant, please see the ‘What happens when you are referred by your GP to see a specialist?’ information sheet.
Please also visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk – Patient information videos for a selection of videos that will provide you with additional information on services within the Norfolk and Norwich University hospitals.
Referral Letters
If you would like a copy of your referral letter, please let the doctor know during your consultation. When the letter is typed it will be left at reception for your collection.
Test and Investigations
All tests and investigations required by the specialists must be ordered by them and the appointments sent to you.
If the specialist requires blood tests, they should give you a request form which you can take to whoever normally provides blood tests in the area. This varies and may be the surgery, hospital or community clinic.
The specialist is responsible for acting upon the results of any test they request and for informing you of the results.
If you haven’t heard from the specialist about a test result, please contact the hospital. Unfortunately, the surgery may not know the result and will not know what the specialist intended to do with the information.
Prescriptions
If the specialist prescribes a new medication or changes one that you are on, please ask them to provide you with the first prescription. This may be on a white prescription that can be used in the hospital pharmacy or on a green one that you can take to your normal pharmacy.
Upon notification from the specialist, the surgery may automatically add the medication change to your repeat list on the computer. You will then be able to order re-supply without an appointment. You may need to contact the surgery to confirm this or use online services if you have registered for them.
If you are uncertain what changes the specialist is making, please ask them to explain it to you at the appointment. It saves you having to see your GP to discuss something they may only know of from a short letter of explanation.
Sick or Fit Note (Med3)
If you need to be certified as unfit for work as a result of the treatment provided by your specialist (or therapist), they should issue a sick note when you are discharged from hospital or seen in the clinic. Please ask for one if you need it.
For sick notes provided by a doctor or to self certify, please complete one of our online forms.
Follow Up Appointments
If you need to be seen again the hospital will provide you with another appointment.
Please ask the specialists’ secretary if it does not arrive in a timely way.
In summary, the specialists are responsible for:
- Looking after all your tests
- Providing prescriptions when needed
- Issuing a sick note if required
- Providing you with a follow up appointment if necessary.