Nhs Bureaucracy

[trixilator]

Just want chance to blow off bit of steam! So - I lose one of my NHS hearing aids and get in touch with Auditory at local hospital who previously provided them. Told I have to go see my GP who will refer me back to them for an appointment! Check with my surgery who confirm I need to do this. With all the pressures on GP's, blah, blah, blah.....
There - dont feel much better but got it off my chest!
Thanks

[woofgang]

Some surgeries allow self referral or self re referral to specialist services, some do not. I believe that GP Surgeries now fundhold to an extent. They block purchase (commission) a certain amount of service from things like hearing services and are charged at a premium rate if they exceed their block purchase. This is because specialist services are staffed according to expected need (they can only spend their income) and if the need is exceeded then they have to purchase extra services in at a premium (locums and bank staff). The re referral from the GP enables the GP service to keep a handle on what they are spending and to siphon off people who want hearing aids because the neighbour has them (yes really) or people who have got wax blockage and so on. I would have thought, in your case though, it could have been done by your phonecall rather than your having to actually go and see a GP.

[EDDIE51]

In my surgery the reception desk would make the appointment just by me asking them by phone, is yours not the same?

[trixilator]

Thanks Eddie - It was reception at my surgery who insisted I must see the doctor for a referral....