which hospital GP's refer to
Last reviewed 01/2018
- geographical location - nearest the practice (not necessarily nearest to the patient's residence)
- transport - availability of public transport may be more important than proximity to the hospital
- waiting times
- preferred consultant - over 90% of referrals are to a named consultant - the GP's personal knowledge of consultant may influence choice
- technical facilities available
- patient preference
ref: M Roland & A Coulter, Hospital Referrals, Oxford 1992