Primary care physicians in England to receive £20 for each instance when a patient is not transferred to a hospital | National Health Service

GPs in England will receive a £20 payment each time they choose not to refer a patient to the hospital under a government initiative aimed at reducing the NHS waiting list. Instead, doctors can refer patients to outpatient clinics or community specialists. This program is expected to benefit around 2 million patients annually, including those with conditions like ear wax, tinnitus, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it may help menopausal women avoid joining the existing overcrowded NHS gynecological services. NHS England has allocated £80 million to expand the “advice and guidance” scheme across England. This program aims to divert patients from the hospital waiting list and provide care in community settings, fulfilling one of the government’s “big shifts” in healthcare. GPs can now claim a £20 payment for referring patients, such as those with IBS, to a community-based dietician instead of a hospital. This move is intended to save time, reduce pressure on NHS services, and deliver better patient outcomes. However, there are concerns about potential delays in referrals and increased administrative burdens for both primary and secondary care.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/17/gps-in-england-will-be-able-to-claim-20-for-every-time-patient-is-not-sent-to-hospital