Tracking your referral and waiting times
Key Information:
● Staying Informed: Waiting for a hospital appointment can be frustrating. However, there are official NHS tools available that allow you to check the status of your referral and see average waiting times, helping you feel more in control.
● The NHS App: You can use the NHS App to see if your referral has been received and processed.
● 'My Planned Care': This is an official NHS website that shows the average waiting times for specific departments (eg cardiology, orthopaedics) at your local hospital.
○ Note: This site provides a general guide based on averages; it does not give you a specific personal appointment date.
What Happens Next?
If you want to check your referral’s status, use the NHS App.
If you want to check the average waiting time for your specific condition or department, search for your local hospital on the My Planned Care website.
Who to Contact
Please remember that our practice does not have access to the hospital's appointment booking system.
● Check the App First: If your referral is visible in the NHS App, the hospital has it and will contact you.
● Missing Referrals: If your referral is not showing after several weeks, please contact the hospital's Appointments Department or PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) directly.
● Worsening Symptoms: If your condition gets significantly worse while waiting, please contact us through our online service for clinical advice.
Further Information
Understanding Your Hospital Referral
For guidance on hospital referrals and appointments, please visit the NHS website.
Page created: 05 January 2026