Referral Pathways
When your clinician identifies that you need further assessment, specialist care, or investigations beyond what we offer at Tamar Health, we provide prompt, clear, and comprehensive referral support. You’ll never be left without a clear plan.
How Referrals Work at Tamar Health
If your clinician thinks you need further investigation or specialist assessment, they’ll explain this clearly during your appointment. We go through:
- What we found during your examination or in your test results
- Why we think you need a referral
- What kind of specialist or service you need
- Whether this is urgent or can be done routinely
- Your options — private or NHS — and the pros and cons of each
You’ll have time to ask questions and feel confident about the next steps before you leave. We follow current national clinical guidelines, so you can trust you’re being directed to the right service based on proper clinical standards.
What’s Included in Our Referral Letters
Our referral letters are thorough and professional — written so the specialist has everything they need to assess you properly from the outset.
- Your full medical history relevant to the referral
- Symptoms and how long you’ve had them
- Examination findings from your appointment
- Test results — blood tests, ECGs, urine results, or other investigations
- Working diagnosis or clinical suspicion
- Why we think you need specialist input
- Urgency level and any specific investigations we recommend
Your Options: Private or NHS?
When you need a specialist, you generally have two routes. We’ll help you understand both so you can choose what works best for you.
We provide a detailed referral letter to a private hospital or specialist of your choice. You contact them directly to book.
- Appointments often within 1–2 weeks
- Choice of specialist and location
- Flexible appointment times
- Faster access to scans and investigations
- May be covered by private health insurance
Typical consultant fee: £150–£300. Investigations and treatment vary.
We provide a referral letter for you to take to your NHS GP, who can then refer you through the NHS system.
- Free at point of use
- Your NHS GP coordinates ongoing care
- Full medical history already held by your GP
- Some conditions better managed long-term on NHS
Waiting times vary — routine referrals can be weeks to months depending on specialty.
Specialist Referrals We Can Arrange
We can refer to a wide range of specialties, privately or via your NHS GP:
We can also arrange referrals for investigations including MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy, ECG, and echocardiography — either privately or by directing you to the appropriate NHS pathway.
If We Identify Something Urgent
Sometimes patients book for what seems like a minor concern, but during the consultation we identify something that needs urgent attention. When this happens, we will:
- Explain clearly what we are concerned about and why it is urgent
- Advise you to go to the Emergency Department if needed
- Provide a letter summarising our findings for the hospital team
- Call 999 with you if an ambulance is needed
- Make sure you feel supported and understand what is happening
Your safety is our absolute priority. We will never dismiss a concern or send you away without a clear plan.
Suspected Cancer — Urgent NHS Pathway
If we have concerns about possible cancer, the fastest route to investigation and treatment is the NHS urgent suspected cancer (2-week wait) pathway. As a private clinic, we cannot access this pathway directly — but we will:
- Explain our concerns to you clearly and honestly
- Advise you to contact your NHS GP urgently — same day if possible
- Provide a detailed letter for your NHS GP outlining our findings and concerns
Mental Health Referrals
Mental health concerns often need specialist input beyond what we can provide. We can refer you to:
- Private psychiatrists or psychologists
- Private counselling services
- NHS mental health services via your NHS GP
- Crisis teams if urgent support is needed
Keeping Your NHS GP in the Loop
We believe continuity of care matters. For all routine referrals, we automatically send a copy of the referral letter to your NHS GP so they have the full picture. With your permission, we’ll also share consultation notes, test results, and any diagnoses or treatment plans.
This is your choice — but we strongly recommend it. It ensures your NHS GP can coordinate your care if you need them in future, and means you won’t have to repeat your full history at every appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra charge for a referral letter?
No. Referral letters produced as part of your consultation are included in your appointment fee at no additional charge. There is no separate charge for clinical documentation produced during your care.
Can you refer me directly to an NHS specialist?
As a private clinic, we can’t make direct NHS referrals in most cases — the NHS system typically requires your registered NHS GP to do this. However, we provide a comprehensive letter for your NHS GP to act on, so the process is straightforward. For private specialist referrals, we can refer directly.
How quickly will you write the referral letter?
For urgent referrals, we write the letter at the same appointment and send it the same day. For routine referrals, letters are typically produced within 1–2 working days of your appointment. You’ll be informed of the timescale at your consultation.
Can I choose which private specialist I see?
Yes. We can address the letter to a specific specialist you have in mind, or we can advise on suitable specialists in the Plymouth and South West area. The choice is yours.
What if I need a referral but I’m not sure whether to go private or NHS?
We’ll talk you through both options during your appointment — the likely waiting times, costs, and what to expect. There’s no pressure either way. The right choice depends on your condition, urgency, and personal circumstances, and we’ll help you work that out.
Do you offer referral letters for occupational health or insurance purposes?
Yes — referral and summary letters for occupational health, insurance, or other professional purposes can be arranged. Please mention this when booking so we can allow sufficient appointment time.
Need a Referral or a Second Opinion?
Book an appointment today. Referral letters included in your consultation fee — no hidden charges.
Book an appointment Contact us firstTamar Health is not an Emergency service any severe conditions or injuries should go directly to the emergency department.