What's New In Self-Referral?

RCS Wales

RCS Wales supports people who are in employment (can be temp, 0 hours and self employed) who are struggling with MSK and / or psychological problems and are considering going off on sick, or are sick.  A employee can self-refer or be referred by their GP or employer. Once the referral is received, it is triaged and the employee can can access MSK / PHYSIO or counselling (or both) within 2 weeks. As RCS are quite new to Hywel Dda and currently don’t have a waiting list, patients are being seen the very next day after referral!

Email RCS Wales
Download RCS Wellbeing at Work Leaflet
Complete an Online Referral Form

What is Self-Referral?

Some areas within the NHS offer a self-referral service, which means you can arrange to meet with a specialist without having to see a doctor first. 

This service is particularly suitable for people with relatively simple conditions such as joint pain, strains and/or other injuries.  It is also available for those who require psychological services for the treatment of depression for example. 

If you have more complex needs please see your doctor first.

MSK Physiotherapy Services

How to access MSK Physiotherapy Services:

  • Physiotherapy self-referral forms for Musculoskeletal conditions have now moved online.
  • The MSK service is no longer accepting paper self-referral forms from patients.
  • Paper self-referral forms will no longer be given to patients.
  • The online self-referral forms are accessed via the Hywel Dda website (link below)
  • The form is submitted directly from the site to the MSK service.
  • We appreciate however, that not all patients are able to access IT- under these circumstances patients should contact their local physiotherapy department.
  • Self referral for pelvic health physiotherapy is not accepted. Health care professionals can refer these patients.

Click here for more information via the Hywel Dda website.

Alternatively, download the form here to print off at home.

Podiatry (Foot care)
Self-Referral

The podiatry self-referral service is available to all with podiatric/medical lower limb need.

During your appointment, your need will be assessed with advice and treatment  being offered in order to maintain and maximise your quality of life whilst encouraging an active life to ensure that your feet operate with normal function and without discomfort.  Some treatments will even be carried out within the surgery itself.

Carmarthenshire Podiatry Self-Referral Form

Ceredigion Podiatry Self-Referral Form

Pembrokeshire Podiatry Self-Referral Form

Counselling Self-Referral

You don’t have to have a diagnosis of a mental health issue in order to self-refer to the NHS psychological service.

You can self-refer if you have encountered any of the following:

  • panic attacks
  • struggling with flashbacks or nightmares
  • feeling low and hopeless
  • finding it hard to cope with work or relationships
  • bereavement
  • obsessive thoughts or behaviours
  • fear of social situations
  • constantly worrying about your health
  • phobias

Once you have contacted your local psychological therapies service, you will be contacted to organise an assessment.  If the service can help you they will recommend a therapy to suit your needs.

If your need is urgent please contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org. 

If you have suffered a bereavement and it is affecting your emotional, physical or social wellbeing, please contact Cruse Bereavement Care on 0800 288 4700 and choose Option 1 for Carmarthenshire, Option 2 for Ceredigion or Option 3 for Pembrokeshire. 

You could also contact Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) on 0800 132737 which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone concerned for their own or someone else’s mental health.  Alternatively, IAWN will be able to help and advise you on your particular situation.