If your doctor has referred you to a specialist for further care you will be asked to book your appointment using the ‘NHS e-Referral’ system.

You will receive a letter from us within 2 weeks giving details of how to book your appointment and any passwords you may need.

To track your e-Referral you will need the following details to log into the e-Referral website:

• Your date of birth
• Reference number (UBRN) – this will be on the first page of your letter
• Access code – this will be on the first page of your letter

To track an e-Referral, click here.

What to expect from your hospital appointment

While you are waiting for a hospital appointment

East Kent Hospitals Average Waiting Times

If you have made an NHS appointment outside of the East Kent Hospitals Foundation Trust (William Harvey Hospital, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, QEQM Hospital, or Buckland Hospital), you may need to contact the hospital provider directly to enquire about NHS waiting times.

To chase any outstanding appointments, following a new referral from your GP, or a follow-up outpatient appointment, at any of the East Kent Hospitals sites, please contact Outpatient Appointments:

Tel: 01227 868686

If you would like to further advice or would like to make a complaint, please contact PALS:

Website: https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/contact-us/giving-feedback/
Email: ekh-tr.pals@nhs.net
Tel: 01227 783145

If your GP has advised that you need to be referred to a specialist, you can utilise your private health care insurance. Each insurance provider and policy varies so please contact your private health insurer to find out what you need to do next.

The completion of health insurance forms by your GP may incur an additional fee from the surgery.

If your GP has advised that you need to be referred to a specialist, you can choose to access a private service. Please contact the private hospital /  secretaries directly to agree fees and arrange an appointment.

Some providers require a written referral, if this is requested then please contact the secretarial team at the surgery who can arrange this for you.

Click here to find out what you can expect when being referred to a private consultant, including:

• Tests & procedures*
• Medication
• Your consultants responsibilities
• Transferring your care back to the NHS
• Fit notes
• Private follow-up appointments

*Please be aware that if a private consultant asks your NHS GP to organise tests, including blood tests the practice is unlikely to be able to carry out this test request. Please contact the private service provider directly.