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Can we self refer to a better hospital?

4 replies

HelloVeraPlant · 19/03/2025 02:40

My partner has had issues with his health - migraines and generally being unwell. We’ve had to go into emergency a few times - it once ended up in hospitalisation but it’s been months of symptoms and misdiagnosis and we don’t know what to do.

We live in London so are referred to the hospitals within our borough, but a few friends have mentioned that there are hospitals in the South of the River that may be better as they specialise in all things neurology etc. How do we get a referral from our GP - everytime we ask for one, they tell us that they can’t and that we can only be referred to the unhelpful local hospital or it’s best that we go private. Or do we go private to get closer to a diagnosis and then go back to the NHS?

They are also refusing to investigate with blood tests - they’ve offered MRI and CTs which we’ve done - but feel we need some sort of blood test.

Apologise for not being specific as we don’t know what’s wrong - what department to ask to be referred to and what tests to ask for.

OP posts:
Rocknrollstar · 19/03/2025 06:23

I have migraines and through his work DH heard about a consultant at Kings Hospital who specialised in new treatments. My GP was delighted to recommend me.

MitchamMum · 19/03/2025 06:33

When I had to be referred for a gynae issue, I just asked my GP to refer me to a specific hospital and they did it. I wanted that hospital specifically because I'd been seen by them previously when we lived in that area before we moved (Guys vs St Helier). I just did a quick Google and found this website that might help you - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

nhs.uk

Your choices in the NHS

Find out about your right to choose where you have your NHS treatment.

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

HelloVeraPlant · 23/03/2025 02:00

@MitchamMum this link is so so useful! I don’t know why our GP is being so stubborn. I was able to self refer for maternity but wasn’t sure if you could for other health services so we will take a look.

@Rocknrollstar thanks - I’ve heard that Kings is good so I will do my research. Appreciate the suggestion.

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PoopingAllTheWay · 23/03/2025 02:14

Kings or St Georges are good

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