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How to refer patients

Information for health professionals

How to refer a patient for treatment

If you want to refer your patients to Benenden Hospital for a range of healthcare services – our guide can help.



How do I refer my patients for treatment at Benenden Hospital?

Private patients (self-pay and those with Private Medical Insurance)

Our friendly and experienced Private Patient team can help you with any referral queries you may have. They can be contacted via:

Benenden Health members

  • A GP referral letter, including an indication of the NHS wait times, is required for all Benenden Health members wishing to access services and treatment using their Benenden Health membership. A separate NHS referral is not required.
  • Referrals for ophthalmic services require a GP referral letter plus an Optician's report.
  • Benenden Health does not have a NHS.net email account but their servers are secure and encrypted.  If the member's ICB and Practice protocol allows it, you can email the referral letter to memberservices@benenden.co.uk  If not, the member will be responsible for getting the referral letter to Benenden Health Member Services.
  • Members must also speak to Member Services on 0300 304 5700 as soon as possible after their GP appointment to obtain authorisation of any services they wish to access via their membership.

NHS patients

  • Please use your local NHS referral arrangements. 

I have a question about referring my patients

My patient has private medical insurance – do they need authorisation?

Yes – they’ll need to get an authorisation code from their insurance provider. They can be booked in without it but must have the code at the time of their first appointment.

Does my patient have to be a Benenden Health member to have treatment at Benenden Hospital?

No - we’re open to everyone.

Who should my patient speak to if they wish to access treatment using their Benenden Health Membership?

Self-Pay/PMI patients should call our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.

Benenden Health Members can call Member Services on 0300 304 5700.

Is there a minimum age for patients at Benenden Hospital?

We don’t offer treatment (including diagnostic imaging) to anyone under the age of 18. Benenden Health members will be advised by Member Services on local hospitals offering paediatric services.

I want to refer a Benenden Health member for treatment – do I need to create a separate NHS pathway too?

No – however your referral letter should include an indication of the NHS wait times.

How do I refer Benenden Health members for diagnostic imaging?

After the member has contacted Member Services, they’ll be sent the appropriate imaging referral form which they should pass to you for completion. Member Services will not accept any other form.

What happens if my patient’s treatment isn’t covered by their Benenden Health membership?

They may be able to have the treatment at Benenden Hospital as a private patient.  Benenden Health members benefit from discounts on our self-pay prices – details are available from our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.

Why should I refer my patients to Benenden Hospital?

To our patients and us, we’re exactly what a hospital should be: innovative and modern, clean and caring - and staffed by the best people in their fields.

Fast access to diagnosis and a wide range of treatments

Our minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments can help your patients get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

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Award-winning hospital facilities

We’re JAG accredited, have a 0% MRSA record and have been rated Outstanding by the CQC.

Awards and accreditations

A centre of excellence staffed by experts in their field

Our specialist Consultants and compassionate clinical teams will make your patients feel welcome.

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We’re closer than you think

Set in the stunning Wealden countryside, we’re less than 45 minutes’ drive from Maidstone, Ashford and Tunbridge Wells.

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