Understanding your urgent fast track referral
This page is for patients who have been referred for a fast track appointment.
Why do I need a fast track appointment?
Your primary care clinician has decided that you need a fast track referral for further investigation of your symptoms.
Your symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions which may include cancer, so it is important for you to be seen quickly. The earlier that cancer is found, the higher the chance of successful treatment.
It is important to remember that even though you have been referred for a fast track investigation, this does not necessarily mean you have cancer. The majority of people who are sent for a fast track appointment do not have cancer.
Your GP has requested that you are seen quickly. Please make every effort to be flexible and attend the appointment the hospital arranges with you.
What will happen next?
- Your GP will now send the details of your symptoms to the hospital. Please ensure that your GP surgery has your correct daytime telephone number (landline or mobile).
- The hospital should contact you within five working days with an appointment. The appointment might be for a test (e.g. a scan), or it might be to see a secondary care clinician.
- You can expect to receive a telephone call or a mobile message from booking staff at the hospital to arrange your appointment.
- If you are not contacted within five working days, please phone the hospital you have been referred to and speak to someone at the fast track appointment office.