The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Amid concerns patients locally are struggling to get a referral from GPs to another NHS service, a group is looking to hear their experiences.
Healthwatch Lincolnshire want to speak to people so it can ‘help the NHS better understand your challenges’.
And a concern it says it hears regularly is with regards to GP referrals.
A spokesman for the group, which aims to be the voice of patients in the county, said: “Have you or your loved one been left frustrated after struggling to get a GP referral for tests or treatment? You’re not alone.
“One concern we’ve been hearing from the public is how hard it can be to get a GP practice referral to another NHS service.
“GPs are the first point of call for many health issues and the gateway to specialist support but with many GP surgeries stretched thin and under pressure, it’s not surprising to hear people feel they’re stuck and unable to get the right support. We want to hear from you
“There’s currently little data about people’s experiences on getting a referral from a GP. We want to change this.
“As the independent champion for Health and Social Care Services in Lincolnshire we want to hear your experiences of trying to get specialist NHS support, like physiotherapy, talking therapies, hospital scans and consultations.
“By sharing your story, we can use your feedback to help the NHS better understand your challenges and improve how people access the care they need.
“So, if you’ve got something to say about GP referrals, don’t just talk to your friends and family – tell us too.”
You can fill in the survey online at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GPreferralssurvey
If you need the survey in another format or would like to discuss anything, email info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk or call 01205 820892.
Equally, if you would like to share your experience, good or bad, of health and care services contact Healthwatch Lincolnshire today.
Email info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk or call 01205 820892.
