One in seven patients stuck in a GP referrals ‘black hole’
New Healthwatch research looks at whether patient experiences of GP referrals have improved since 2023.
Healthwatch's latest research found one in seven (14%) people's referral ended up in a 'black hole' - i.e. it was delayed, lost, rejected, or not sent.
And three in four people (75%) who had an issue with their referral reported at least one negative impact on their health and wellbeing.
