Local services that people can refer themselves to include antenatal care, podiatry, counselling, sexual health, physiotherapy, smoking cessation, and speech and language therapy for children. Referring yourself saves you time and reduces pressures on NHS general practices.

Before contacting your GP about a medical problem, it’s always worthwhile seeing if there is a local service you can use without a referral from your general practice. In many parts of England, patients can refer themselves directly to a number of NHS departments.

In my latest "Talking Point" column @bmj.com I explore one of the dilemmas entailed in using - or providing - private care. Just out.

www.bmj.com/content/387/...