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To: North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group

Lift Cap on GP referrals in North Tyneside

Please allow GPs to make the decisions on whether to refer patients to hospital, without having the referral looked at by a committee. The decision to refer should not be based on purely financial reasons. The Referral Management System is a scheme with a committee that take the decision on whether a patient will be referred for further treatment or tests.

Why is this important?

The restriction on GP referrals was introduced in July 2015. We had heard nothing of this and it appears it was sneaked in under the carpet. The excuse given is an overuse of hospital services in particular outpatient appointments. Does anyone go to an outpatient appointment unless required?. If a GP has decided that your ailment requires further investigation or treatment that should be the case. This cap on appointments could undermines the GPs professional status. The decision to refer a patient for treatment should not be based on purely financial reasons.

The Referral Management System (RMS) is a scheme with a committee that take the decision on whether a patient will be referred for further treatment or tests. (what does that committee cost?)

My husband is waiting for a decision from the RMS committee. His GP is in support but states that it is outside of her control. In the meantime he has to wait. Will it be yes or no. Please sign the petition to try to stop this cut, Many thanks

We had a result this morning (1st December) a referral letter arrived. It shows that a little bit of pressure goes a long way.
North Tyneside District

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Updates

2017-02-17 22:21:00 +0000

10 signatures reached