A hospital consultant is the most senior grade of doctor in the NHS. They are highly specialised experts who have completed years of intensive training in a specific area of medicine or surgery.
As the leader of a clinical team, a consultant holds ultimate responsibility for your diagnosis, treatment, and overall care.
In the UK, you typically cannot “self-refer” to a consultant. There are two primary ways you will come under their care:
GP Referral: If your GP feels you need specialist input, they will refer you to an NHS outpatient clinic.
Emergency Admission: If you are admitted to the hospital via A&E, you will be assigned to a consultant’s team based on your medical needs. In these cases, you should meet your consultant at least once during your stay.
Most consultants focus on a specific “specialty”—either a particular organ or a type of surgery. Common examples include:
Cardiologists (Heart)
Dermatologists (Skin)
Nephrologists (Kidneys)
Orthopaedic Surgeons (Hip or knee replacements)
However, some consultants are generalists. These doctors often work in high-pressure environments like Accident and Emergency (A&E) or specialize in Geriatric Medicine (care for the elderly), where they manage multiple conditions simultaneously.
Each consultant heads a team of healthcare professionals (traditionally called a “firm”). This team usually includes:
Registrars: Senior doctors in training.
Resident Doctors: Previously called junior doctors.
Specialist Nurses: Experts in specific conditions.
While the registrar or junior doctors may see you more frequently on the “base ward,” the consultant supervises every decision and works closely with your GP to ensure your long-term recovery.
A consultant’s job extends beyond the ward. Many hold additional responsibilities at a local, regional, or national level, including:
Medical Education: Teaching and supervising medical students and junior doctors.
Clinical Research: Leading trials to develop new treatments and medicines.
Management: Developing new hospital services and improving patient safety.
It is vital to know exactly who is in charge of your care. Whether you are an inpatient or an outpatient, you have the right to know your consultant’s name.
Pro Tip: Always ask for the name and contact details of your consultant’s secretary.
The secretary is often the most efficient way to:
Amend or check appointment times.
Pass on urgent queries to the medical team.
Request a meeting if you feel your concerns are not being addressed.
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