Referrals survey communications pack

What this pack is for

We’re running a project to learn about the public’s experiences of GP referrals for specialist treatment, and the time they spend waiting after the referral and before their specialist care starts. 

You can help us out by sharing our survey. This communications pack has some tools to help you with this.

Navigate to:

• Background and objectives
• Key messages
• Web content
• Social copy and assets
• Email copy

Background and objectives

With much-needed focus from the Government and NHS on both GP and hospital appointments, we want to understand people’s experiences during the time after being referred but before being seen by a specialist.

We carried out a similar piece of work in 2023. Two years on, we want to know how things have changed. 

This survey is aimed at any member of the public who’s had a recent referral by their GP for any kind of specialist assessment or treatment. We’re using it to gather personal stories to give context to the polling we are running around referrals.

The survey covers all conditions, but we’re especially interested in experiences of referrals for cancer, mental health conditions, and long-term conditions.

Key messages

• Our previous research on referrals found evidence of a referrals “black hole”, with people experiencing hidden waits for referrals after their GP referred them but before the referral moved forwards.
• Two years later, there are still access issues, with many referrals being formally delayed or “deferred”.
• With a much-needed focus on both GP and hospital appointments, it’s important not to forget the hidden wait between a GP making a referral and a specialist service accepting it.
• By responding to our survey, you’ll help us understand the issues people still face with the referrals process, and call for change where needed.

Square assets  Instagram post assets  Instagram story assets