GPC England is focusing on any supposed requirement to use referral forms or proforma where there is no advantage for either the GP or the patient in doing so.

Acute, Community and Mental Health Trusts, together with local commissioners frequently request the completion of referral form or proforma before accepting a patient referral or transfer of care. Whilst it is best practice to co-produce such forms with the local medical committee, GPC England is aware that in recent years there has been a steady proliferation of such forms, often without any wider discussion with GP stakeholders. Such forms create an additional workload and unnecessary bureaucracy for GPs and their Practice Teams, when a relevant, factual referral letter would suffice. Often the information requested is not relevant to the decision to refer or the patient’s medical condition but is instead an extensive list of additional “background” information. This represents, multiplied by each referral, a significant and inappropriate transfer of work to local GP practices.