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Hospital Expedite Letters
Hospital Expedite Letters
We understand how worrying it can be to wait for a hospital appointment, test or operation. This page explains why the practice is not able to write letters asking the hospital to bring your appointment forward, and what you can do instead.
If your symptoms got considerably worse, please don’t wait. Contact the surgery to be reviewed by a clinician, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999.
Why we don’t write expedite letters
The hospital decides who is seen first. Hospital specialists review and prioritise their own waiting lists. A letter from your GP rarely changes where you are on the list.
We cannot see hospital waiting lists. We are not told waiting times and cannot book, move or chase hospital appointments.
You are the best person to describe what has changed. A letter in your own words gives the specialist the clearest picture of how your symptoms are affecting you now..
Letter templates you can send yourself
You can contact the hospital directly using one of the templates below. Download the Word document, complete it with your own details, then post or email it to the hospital department or PALS. Please keep a copy for your records.
Letter 1: Expedite Request – My symptoms have changed
Tell the hospital team about new or worsening symptoms so they can review your referral.
Letter 2: Asking for a waiting list update/review
Ask the department to confirm you are on the list and how long you are likely to wait.
Find out more
My condition has got worse while I’m waiting
Please contact the surgery to book a review. A clinician will assess you and, if there is a clinical reason, update the hospital with the new information or re-refer you urgently.
Outside surgery hours, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
How do I check on my appointment or waiting time?
Contact the hospital department or the consultant’s secretary directly – the number is usually on your referral or appointment letter. They can tell you where you are on the waiting list and give you an estimated date.
You may also be able to view your referral and appointments in the NHS App.
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust switchboard: 01709 820000
I’m not happy with how long I’m waiting
The hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help with concerns about waiting times and your hospital care.
- PALS telephone: 01709 424461
- PALS email: your.experience@nhs.net
If you want to make a formal complaint about the hospital, PALS can explain how to do this.
Can I choose a different hospital with a shorter wait?
In many cases you have the right to choose where you are referred for your first appointment. You can compare average waiting times on the My Planned Care website.
If you are already on a waiting list and want to discuss moving, speak to the hospital first. If you’d like to talk about a referral elsewhere, contact the surgery.
I’ve been referred privately – can the practice help?
If you see a specialist privately, any tests or treatment they recommend should normally be arranged by them. Please see our NHS and private care page for more information.
Contact the surgery
Market Surgery
Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 7RA
Telephone: 01709 870150
Opening Times
- Monday08:00am to 06:30pm
18:30 to 20:30 (alternative location) - Tuesday08:00am to 06:30pm
18:30 to 20:30 (alternative location) - Wednesday08:00am to 06:30pm
18:30 to 20:30 (alternative location) - Thursday08:00am to 06:30pm
18:30 to 20:30 (alternative location) - Friday08:00am to 06:30pm
18:30 to 20:30 (alternative location) - SaturdayCLOSED
09:00 to 17:30 (alternative location) - SundayCLOSED
08:00 to 13:00 (alternative location)
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