Referrals and Transport

 

When your doctor arranges for you to be referred on to a Consultant at the hospital, the majority of referrals are directed to the "E-Referrals/RAS Service", who will contact you shortly to offer you a choice of services appropriate for your condition.

What Happens Next?

Please make sure that your GP practice has your most up-to-date contact details.

If your doctor decides to refer you on to a consultant or specialist for an outpatient appointment, your referral will be sent to the "E-Referrals/RAS Service".  They will contact you by telephone on receiving the referral to offer you a choice of services and appointments appropriate for your condition.  If they are unable to contact you by telephone, they will write to you.  Please follow the instructions in their letter.  If you have any difficulties using the telephone or using emails, please ask our secretaries to help you.

If you are not contacted within 7 days, please contact the "E-Referrals/RAS Service Team on: 0330 0248 284 (Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm)

 

How and When Do I Receive My Appointment

Once the "E-Referrals Service/RAS" have discussed with you which hospital you wish to go to, you will either be offered an appointment straight away or else (if there are no slots to offer you straight away) your referral will be sent on to the hospital you wish to go to.

Depending on the availability of appointments at the hospital of your choice, you may well be placed on a waiting list for an appointment.  From this point on, if you have any queries about when your appointment is likely to be, you need to ring the Outpatient Department of your chosen hospital.

  • Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Outpatients:   01743 261044
  • Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital: 01691 404000 (and ask for Appointments Department Choose & Book)
  • Princess Royal Hospital Outpatients:  01952 282810
 

FAQs

For common questions regarding the E-Referrals Service and the referral process in general, please visit the NHS website

Patient Transport

Normally patients are expected to make their own arrangements for travelling to and from healthcare premises. However, the NHS does have some resources for patient transport for Outpatient appointments.  This is only for those patients who have a medical need that prevents them using private or public transport. This transport is not for social or financial reasons.

Patients experiencing mobility difficulties or who are temporarily incapacitated so that it affects their ability to drive or be driven may be eligible for Patient Transport. Patients requiring transport to and from Hospital appointments, should arrange it by contacting 0300 777 0077.

Ideally Medical Services needs at least 48 hours notice to book, change or cancel your transport but if your out patient appointment changes do contact them as soon as possible, even if this is the morning of your appointment as they may be able to offer your time slot to another patient.

Please visit the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website for patient medical services.

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