Urgent “Two-Week Referral” – Patient Information

What does it mean to be urgently referred?

An urgent two-week referral usually means that you will be offered an appointment with a hospital specialist within 2 weeks of your General Practitioner (GP) making the referral.

If you do not get a call within 2 weeks please contact the Trust by telephone 01207 523641 or via email cdda-tr.cancer2WWBookingteam@nhs.net.

Please tell your GP Practice if you are unable to manage a telephone call.

The timescales for your first contact may be different at this time.

Why am I being urgently referred?

Your GP  feels that you have symptoms that require investigation by a hospital specialist as soon as possible.  This is so that your illness can be diagnosed and treated quickly and effectively.

Whilst this does include the possibility of cancer, the majority of people referred in this way do not have cancer.  The signs and symptoms you have may be caused by a number of common conditions but it is important that the hospital know about your GP’s concerns in order to fully investigate your condition.

It is important to remember that even though you are being referred urgently, this DOES NOT necessarily mean that you have cancer.

How do I make my appointment?

Where possible your appointment will be arranged for you while you are with your GP. They will give you a printed copy of your appointment details.

If you are being referred to a service, where it is not possible to book a direct appointment with the hospital of your choice, you will be given the details of what happens next. In most cases the hospital will contact you to arrange your appointment once they have received the relevant information from your GP. If you have not received an appointment within 3 working days please contact them.

How do I get to hospital?

If you cannot use public transport, drive or arrange your own transport you may be able to use the ambulance service.  Please speak to the receptionist at your GP surgery as soon as possible if ambulance transport is required.

Please remember to only take a maximum of one person with you if you need to be supported to get to your appointment.

What if I can not make the appointment I am offered?

Your GP believes that your symptoms need to be investigated as soon as possible so it is important that you are flexible when arranging this appointment.  You should make every effort to attend the 1st appointment you are given which may be a telephone contact at this time.

However, if you cannot make the appointment you are given, please contact your GP surgery as soon as possible so an alternative can be arranged.

If you cancel an arranged appointment or do not attend your appointment, the hospital will do their best to ensure you are seen as soon as possible, but you will no longer be covered by your right to be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks as described in the NHS Constitution.

What will happen at my appointment?

In order to help your specialist, understand the cause of your symptoms you may be required to undergo some tests.  Depending on the nature of your symptoms these tests may be required at different stages.  The tests may be needed either:

  • before you see your specialist,
  • during your first appointment with the specialist,
  • or the specialist may refer you for these tests following your first appointment.

Details on what will happen at your first appointment, and any tests you might need, will usually be sent with your appointment confirmation.  The hospital will send you the relevant information after your appointment has been booked.  If you do not receive this information or have any further questions please contact the person who referred you to the hospital.

You may find it useful to write down any questions you want to ask during your appointment.  The specialist team will give you a lot of information and many people find it useful to take a friend or relative along with them.  You are very welcome to do so but only one person should accompany you.

Last modified: July 3, 2023