What does the term 'accepts direct referrals' mean on the NHS?

[Jow11]

I've been looking up consultants on an NHS hospital website. The information relating to some of them states that they 'accept direct referrals'. Does anyone know what it means?

I did phone the main switchboard of the hospital but they didn't know.

Many thanks.

[Moggie]

If you search google using this wording then the answers that come us usually have something else after them like " we accept direct referrals from parents and GP's" or " we accept direct referrals from consultants" If I were you I would phone the hosp back and ask it speak to someone in the PALS dept (Patient liason dept) to see if they know, if they dont then they will find out and ring you back.

Moggie x

[Jow11]

Thank you very much Moggie for your advice. I'll do that.

[Moggie in reply to Jow11]

Your welcome.

Moggie x