Referral

ri-FUR-uhl /rɪˈfɜːrəl/

Neutral Neutral

What it really means

When your GP sends you to a hospital specialist for further tests or treatment. On the NHS you cannot usually see a specialist without one. After a referral, the hospital writes to you with an appointment.

Chinese explanation

转诊：GP把你转给医院专科医生做进一步检查或治疗。在NHS体系里，通常必须经过转诊才能看专科。转诊后医院会写信通知你预约时间。

Example conversation

A: The GP said she would make a referral to a skin specialist. B: Great — the hospital will send you a letter with the appointment details.

A：GP说她会帮我转诊给皮肤专科。 B：太好了——医院会给你寄信，写明预约详情。

What you could say back

“How long does a referral usually take?”

Related phrases

GP Specialist Waiting list

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake