Getting an Appointment with a Consultant

Getting an Appointment with a Consultant

If you have a medical problem you should, in the first instance, discuss it with your GP. If he or she feels that your condition requires the services of a Consultant you will be provided with a referral as appropriate. You should feel free to request a specific Consultant if you have a preference and ask your GP to refer you to your nominated choice. This may be within your hospital catchment area.

Under Medical Council Guidelines, a Consultant should not normally accept a patient without referral from a GP. An exception may arise where a patient is admitted to hospital in an emergency, for example after a road traffic accident.

Your Consultant leads a team of doctors with whom you will have most contact. This is quite normal. Depending on the circumstances, the Consultant may personally deliver the appropriate care.