Referrals · Plymouth
The right specialist, with a clear letter.
If you need tests or specialist care that we do not offer, we explain your options and write a clear referral letter. Private or through your NHS GP.
How referrals work
We talk it through first.
If we think you need a specialist, we explain it during your appointment. We go through what we found, why we think you need a referral, which service you need, and how urgent it is.
Then we talk through your options, private or NHS, so you can choose what suits you. We follow national clinical guidelines.
What goes in the letter
- Your relevant medical history
- Your symptoms and how long you have had them
- What we found when we examined you
- Test results, such as bloods or urine
- Our working diagnosis
- How urgent it is, and any tests we suggest
Your options
Private or NHS?
We write to a private hospital or specialist of your choice. You contact them to book.
- Appointments often within 1 to 2 weeks
- Choice of specialist and location
- Faster access to scans and tests
- May be covered by health insurance
Specialist fees often start at around £150 to £300. Tests and treatment are extra.
We give you a letter for your NHS GP, who can refer you through the NHS.
- Free at the point of use
- Your GP coordinates your ongoing care
- Some conditions are better managed long term in the NHS
Waiting times vary. Routine referrals can take weeks or months.
Where we can refer
Specialists and scans.
We can also arrange private scans and tests, including ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI, endoscopy, ECG and echocardiogram, or point you to the right NHS route.
If we find something urgent
We will not send you away without a plan.
Sometimes a minor-seeming problem turns out to need urgent care. If that happens, we explain our concern clearly, send you to A&E if you need it, give you a letter for the hospital team, and call 999 with you if an ambulance is needed.
Tamar Health is not an emergency service. If you have a severe or life-threatening problem, call 999 or go straight to A&E.
Suspected cancer
The fastest route is the NHS urgent suspected cancer pathway. As a private clinic we cannot refer to it directly. If we are concerned, we explain why, ask you to contact your NHS GP the same day if possible, and give you a detailed letter for them.
Mental health
Support beyond our clinic.
Some mental health concerns need specialist help. We can refer you to private psychiatrists, psychologists or counselling services, or to NHS mental health services through your GP.
In a crisis
Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call the Samaritans free on 116 123. If you or someone else is at immediate risk, call 999.
Questions people ask
About referral letters and how they work.
Referral letters
Is there an extra charge for a referral letter?
No. Referral letters written as part of your appointment are included in the fee. The specialist’s own fees are separate.
Can you refer me straight to an NHS specialist?
Usually not. The NHS normally needs your own GP to refer you. We give you a detailed letter for your GP to act on. For private specialists, we can refer you directly.
How quickly will you write the letter?
Urgent letters are written at your appointment and sent the same day. Routine letters usually take 1 to 2 working days. We will tell you the timescale at your appointment.
Can I choose my private specialist?
Yes. We can address the letter to a specialist you have in mind, or suggest suitable specialists in Plymouth and the South West.
Your NHS GP
Will my NHS GP get a copy?
Only if you want them to. Tamar Health is independent of the NHS. With your consent, we send your GP a copy if we have an email address for your surgery. It helps your GP coordinate your care. Your GP cannot access the records we hold about you.
Do you write letters for work or insurance?
Yes, summary letters can be arranged. Please mention it when you book so we allow enough time. Formal medical reports, such as DVLA or insurance medicals, need a doctor and we do not offer these at the moment.
What our patients say
Need a referral?
Referral letters are included in your appointment fee. No hidden charges.