Can a GP refer someone to another hospital for a third opinion- or is a second referral the maximum they can do?
Long story- I have complex, long term medical conditions (Addison’s, lupus, asthma, pituitary issues, sjorgens, hypothyroidism and more etc). Very debilitating and chronic. The first consultant I was referred to misdiagnosed me and I ended up making a formal (upheld) complaint (2019). I asked to be transferred to another consultant at the same hospital, and was. However this new consultant seems to rely mostly on the old consultants (incorrect) notes and when I need emergency care I go to a different hospital now (I live between both) to see different specialists as I find them better. The other hospital has suggested i transfer to them and has asked me to ask my GP to do a referral.
My GP practice however won’t authorise the referral because they say I’ve already had two referrals - one to the original (bad) specialist and one to the endocrinologist at the same hospital. So they say I’ve effectively had my “lot” and I have to stay with the same hospital.
Is this correct? If it is fair enough but I have no way of checking apart from here whether it is and if it’s not I would like to challenge it.
I live equally between both hospitals and could have chosen either for my initial referral.