New Referral Process (from 1 April 2026)

The NHS has introduced a new system called Advice & Guidance (A&G) as part of the 2026 GP contract. This means your GP may now seek specialist advice digitally before referring you to hospital—and in some cases, a referral may not be needed.

What is A&G?

A&G allows your GP to securely contact a hospital specialist for advice by sharing symptoms, test results, and asking for guidance on next steps. The aim is to get you the right care faster and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Why this change?

The system helps to:

• Reduce waiting times
• Provide quicker specialist input
• Support more care in the community
• Improve communication between GPs and hospitals

What this means for you

• Your GP may request specialist advice instead of referring you straight away
• This is not a refusal of care
• It often leads to faster answers than waiting for an appointment

After review, the specialist may:

• Advise your GP on treatment or next steps
• Request further tests or information
• Recommend a hospital referral

All advice is recorded in your GP record.

Are urgent referrals affected?

No.  Urgent cases, including suspected cancer referrals, will continue as normal. We are here to support you.  You will continue to receive safe, timely care. You will be kept informed, and you are always welcome to ask questions or raise concerns.

Published: Apr 2, 2026