I need to make an appointment with a specialist

Sometimes your Doctor may feel that you should see a specialist or perhaps you may, yourself, wish for a second or expert opinion. If this is appropriate your doctor will write a letter to the appropriate Hospital Department. Waiting lists vary a lot. For this reason we do not usually write to a specific consultant unless you have previously been under his care or he has a particular interest in your problem.

Sometimes, if the waiting time is particularly long, we may suggest a different hospital. If the waiting time is unexpectedly long the Primary Care Trust may offer you treatment elsewhere.

If you decide that you want to see the Specialist privately you will need a letter from the Doctor and will usually need to attend the surgery to discuss this. You will be given the letter to take with you (or asked to call back to collect it). We ask you to telephone the Specialist's Secretary to arrange a convenient appointment.