NHS Referrals

Since January 2005, the NHS primary care trusts (PCT's) have the authority to fund general practitioners' referrals made to independent clinics and qualified medical or health practitioners. Allergy, Nutrition and Environmental (Ecological) Medicine has recently been recognised as a medical speciality by the General Medical Council.

NHS funded referrals to our clinics require the support of the patient’s general practitioner and authorisation by the local Primary Care Trust. Applications for funding are normally considered when a medical ailment has been thoroughly investigated in hospital specialist departments but no effective treatment has been offered, or the problem persists in spite of treatment. Given the choice, a cause orientated approach seems attractive to most people compared to surgery or mere symptom control and seems to be less costly for the local health economy.

The guidance by the Department of Health is that:

• A patient discusses with his/her GP possible treatment to an approved independent hospital, clinic or practitioner.
• The referral is made and is copied to the local PCT.
• PCT considers application for Out of Area Treatment (OAT). If approved, appropriate funds are allocated for the case.
• An initial consultation is arranged by the independent clinic as soon as confirmation is received.