GPs have traditionally been the gatekeeper, signposting patients to specialists within the NHS. Now, thanks to the NHS’s focus on self-referral services, patients can have more control and can get quicker access to appropriate treatment from local healthcare services without having to wait for an appointment at their surgery.
| Why self-refer? |
| Empowers the patient: choose the service you need, when you need it Direct access: have more control and get quicker access to appropriate treatment Free up time for complex cases: frees up GP time for people with complex health needs. |
Self-referral services not only free-up GPs to see people with more complex healthcare needs, but they also help local people get the care they need, when they need it.
Services you can self-refer to include:
- Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal issues
- Talking therapies for mental health
- Weight management support
- Pregnancy and maternity services
- Support to stop smoking
- Sexual Health
- …and many more local services.
Discover Essex Frontline
In addition to the growing list of NHS self-referral options, people in mid and south Essex can also self-refer to a range of services in their local community via Essex Frontline. Frontline is an app that allows people to find details about local health and wellbeing services and connect with them.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 