Free NHS health services you can access without needing a GP appointment...
Did you know there are some free NHS health services you can access without needing an appointment with your GP? This is called self-referral and could help you find the care you need quicker and more easily than going through your surgery.
Self-referral often includes services for drug and alcohol problems, as well as antenatal care and improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT).
You can register for most of them online. In some cases you refer yourself by phoning rather than emailing or by completing an online form. Self-referral services vary by area though - and they might be provided by a variety of organisations, all approved and commissioned by the NHS.
Self-referral to hospital consultant clinics is not available on the NHS. If you feel you need a referral to a hospital speciality, you should contact your GP who will decide whether you are eligible for referral. If they do, your GP will make the referral.
As this page develops we will add in useful links to various services in North Cumbria that you can self-refer to.
NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies
It's part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust. (for individuals living in South Cumbria please visit NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Talking Therapies).
You can also contact the service by phone at: 0300 123 9122
Find out more...
