Changes To Managing Specialists Referrals From 1/10/2025
Helping You Manage Your Specialist Referrals – What You Need to Know
From 1 October 2025, there will be a small change to how you manage your hospital or specialist referrals. You’ll now be supported directly through the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS), which gives you more control and flexibility when booking your appointment.
What happens if I’m referred?
If your GP refers you to a specialist, you may be asked to book your own appointment using the NHS e-Referral system.
You’ll receive an email/ a letter within a few weeks explaining:
- What you’ve been referred for
- The hospital or clinic options available to you
- How to book your appointment
How to book or manage your referral
You can book or manage your appointment in a way that suits you:
- Online at www.nhs.uk/referrals
- By phone via the National Booking Service on 0345 608 8888 (Textphone: 0345 850 2250)
- Open Monday–Friday: 8am–8pm
- Weekends and bank holidays: 8am–4pm
If you have a question about your appointment or referral, please contact the hospital or service provider directly.
Additional support while you wait
We understand that waiting for specialist care can be difficult. There are local services that can help support your health and wellbeing during this time:
- Essex Wellbeing Service
Offers practical, emotional, and health support.
Call 0300 303 9988 or visit the Essex Wellbeing Service website
- My Planned Care
Visit www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk for estimated hospital waiting times and local support options.
- Patients Know Best
If you live in Mid and South Essex, you can access your hospital information (appointments, test results, letters) through the Patients Know Best portal. Find out more.
- NHS App
Download the NHS App for quick and secure access to your referrals, prescriptions, and health advice from your phone or tablet.
Seasonal Influenza and Covid Vaccinations Autumn 2025
We are working through all eligible patients and sending them a text message with a URL link to book directly into our Flu clinics. Clinics start from 1st of October for Adults.
If you have access to online services you can book your appointment
here.
Please help us with the telephone queues and use the URL link to book your slot. Remember to confirm your slot when asked on the last page, only then your appointment is booked.
We will be providing Covid vaccinations this season. There will be separate clinics available to book into soon. All eligible patients will be invited as soon as the clinics are added.
Bereavement Help Point
Information on drop in group sessions for anyone bereved organised by CIRCLE adult bereavement support can be found here
Changes to the medical examiner system and death certification process
From September 2024
A new medical examiner system is being rolled out in England and Wales over the next few months prior to it becoming a statutory requirement on 9 September 2024. Please see further information about the changes here.
