How Long Will It Take to Get My Results?
After you've had a test, we understand you may be eager to know the results. Please allow the following minimum times for processing:
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Blood and Urine Tests: 5 working days
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X-Rays: 10 working days
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MRI, Ultrasound, and CT Scans: 15 working days
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Cervical Smear Tests: 4 to 5 weeks
How Can I Find Out My Results?
- Checking Results: You can call the surgery after 2pm to ask about your results. Please don't book an appointment unless your GP or nurse has asked you to. Alternatively you can also use the our AccuRx triage form to enquire about your results. Results are also automatically uploaded to the NHS App.
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Complex Results: If a result needs further explanation, we may ask you to come in for an appointment or book you a telephone appointment.
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Confidentiality: For your privacy, we can only share results with you or someone you've given written permission to.
- It is your responsibility to check your results and to make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor if your are advised to do so.
What About Referrals?
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Contacting the Hospital: If you need to follow up on a referral, please contact the hospital directly using the details provided in your referral letter.
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Expediting Referrals: We can't speed up your referral unless your condition has changed significantly. Only the hospital can decide if your case should be prioritised.
If your symptoms worsen or become urgent, please contact us immediately or call 111 for out-of-hours advice.
Hospital Expedite Letters
Many NHS outpatient appointments and treatments can experience delays. Sometimes when you contact the hospital, they may ask you to get an “expedite letter” from your GP to try to speed up your appointment.
We understand this can be frustrating for you and for us. Please note that providing an expedite letter does not guarantee that your appointment will be brought forward.
Only the hospital can assess your situation compared to other patients on their waiting list and decide whether to prioritise your care.
How to Inform the Hospital About Changes in Your Condition
If your symptoms or condition change while you’re waiting for care, you can contact the hospital directly to update them. Below are two letter templates you can use to communicate with the hospital:
For a First Appointment with a Specialist
Dear Consultant,
I am waiting for care for [briefly describe your original problem]. My GP at Ling House Medical Centre referred me.
Since the referral, my condition has changed as follows:
[Briefly explain what has changed or worsened]
I kindly ask that you:
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Review my hospital records alongside this letter to see if my care can be expedited
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Contact me directly to let me know the outcome and expected wait time
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File this letter and record your decision in my medical notes
Thank you.
For a Follow-Up Appointment, Treatment, or Operation
Dear Consultant,
I am under your care for [briefly describe your original problem].
Since my last appointment, my condition has changed as follows:
[Briefly explain what has changed or worsened]
I kindly ask that you:
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Review my hospital records alongside this letter to see if my care can be expedited
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Contact me directly to let me know the outcome and expected wait time
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File this letter and record your decision in my medical notes
Thank you.
Where to Send Your Letter
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For first appointments, send your letter to: Outpatient Appointments Department
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For follow-up care, send your letter to: Your consultant’s secretary
If you have any urgent or worsening symptoms, please contact your GP or seek emergency care immediately.