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<p>There are currently differing approaches to patient self-referral to audiology
services across the country. The NHS England ‘2023/24 priorities and operational planning
guidance’ was published in December 2022. This set out a key action for systems to
expand direct access and self-referral for a range of services where general practitioner
involvement is not clinically necessary. By September 2023, systems are asked to put
in place self-referral routes to audiology-including hearing aid provision as well
as falls response services, musculo-skeletal physiotherapy services, weight management
services, community podiatry, and wheelchair and community equipment services. Systems
are also expected to put in place direct referral pathways from community optometrists
to ophthalmology services for all urgent and elective eye consultations by September
2023.</p>
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