referral

Same-day mental health support without the need for a referral is the aim of a new strategy after calls to an urgent hotline doubled in a year.

Second Chance, which opened in April 2023, restocks its uniform donations daily and customers are able to access items without needing a referral service.

"This includes updating referral guidance on endometriosis, as well as other gynaecological conditions, and providing training and education," they added.

She said a referral had been made for her mother to move to an alternative day centre in Newcastle and the family was waiting to hear how many days she would be able to attend.

It has pledged that 92% of NHS patients will be waiting less than 18 weeks for treatment after referral to a consultant, by the end of this parliament.