Pulse in the Press: GP referrals

Pulse’s exclusive story on GP referrals being sent back to practices as unsolicited advice and guidance has been picked up by the national press.

Using data gathered from a major Pulse and Management in Practice survey of GPs to better understand the current recruitment and unemployment crisis within general practice, as well as the workload involved in processing complaints, Pulse recently revealed that GPs have estimated a quarter of their referrals to secondary care are returned as unsolicited advice and guidance (A&G), despite NHS England denying a 25% A&G target exists.

NHS England has denied the existence of such a target for GP referrals to be ‘diverted’ back to GPs as A&G. However, the survey suggests 26% of attempted referrals to specialists are being rejected and instead returned with advice and guidance the GP had not asked for.

The exclusive story was picked up by the national press, including the Telegraph, Times, Daily Mail, Guardian and more. It was also shared by MP Luke Evans.

Harry Hetherington, a reporter for Pulse, also appeared on LBC News last week to talk about the story.

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