A new leaflet has been developed to help answer common patient questions when they are referred to a specialist or hospital consultant.

The leaflet, which is available in all GP practices across Lancashire and South Cumbria, has been produced by NHS England, the British Medical Association (BMA) and the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP). It describes what patients can expect if their GP refers them to see a specialist or consultant, at a hospital or a healthcare centre.

The aim is to improve communication between hospitals and GPs and reduce occasions when patients are sent back to their GP unnecessarily following a hospital appointment. The leaflet also provides a helpful checklist for patients to use before they leave hospital.

Jackie Forshaw, Head of Primary Care at NHS England (Lancashire and South Cumbria), said: “This leaflet will be invaluable to patients when they are referred to hospital. Patients don’t always think about the information they need or questions they want to ask at the time of referral, so we hope that having this leaflet to hand this will improve their experience and ensure a smooth transfer from GP to specialist.”

Copies of the leaflet are available in GP practices and can also be downloaded here