Fast-tracking patient pathways
We’re your partner
Medefer is a leading CQC-registered healthcare provider on a mission to reduce waiting times for outpatient care. Partnering with NHS trusts and clinics, we operate an innovative service, connecting GP-referred patients with specialists across the UK – with less reliance on the need for in-person appointments.
Our award-winning service, designed by experienced clinicians, streamlines the entire patient journey—from initial referral to final consultation. We manage all aspects of patient care, including assessments, investigations, and personalised management plans. With the ability to support up to 75% of patients remotely, we not only reduce waiting times but also increase clinical capacity, allowing hospitals to prioritise those who need in-person care.
“Working hand in hand with Medefer has been an instrumental journey towards transforming patient care. Through our strong collaboration, we’ve successfully achieved a significant reduction in patient wait times and actively cleared the backlog.
This partnership exemplifies the power of synergy in healthcare, where dedication and teamwork pave the way for improved outcomes and a brighter, healthier future for our community.”
— Adam Savin
Director of Operational Planning and Performance
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
How Medefer works?
Gone are the days when patients had to wait months for an outpatient appointment. With Medefer, every GP referral is swiftly reviewed by UK-registered consultants, usually within 48 hours. Our service ensures patients receive expert attention sooner, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
Our service is 100% free for patients. We guarantee shorter waiting times for a secondary care review than the traditional referral pathway. After a consultant review, the GP receives a detailed report, and the patient gets an introductory pack from Medefer.
We manage all tests and treatments under the contracted Medefer pathway, including head contract or AQP accreditation where applicable. If our services are unsuitable or declined by the patient, we ensure an onward referral to NHS-funded service or in-patient care.
Medefer is responsible for clinical prioritisation at every stage, including urgent cases such as suspected cancer, and liaises with A&E when needed. Patients are always o!ered choices for onward referrals, and we remain their point of contact if their condition changes. Upon discharge, the patient is either referred back to their GP with a comprehensive management plan or transferred to another suitable service.
Why partner with Medefer?
- Our pathways make sure patients get the tests and treatments they need when they need them. When you partner with us, you’ll be part of a system that focuses on providing the right care from start to finish.
- We’re big believers in teamwork. By joining forces with skilled providers, we can o!er a wide range of services to meet every patient’s unique needs, making sure they always get the best care possible.
- We’re committed to the highest standards of clinical governance and regulatory compliance. Our partners share this commitment so patients receive safe, compassionate care at every stage of their journey.
- Diagnostic Imaging: MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasound
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, pathology, and other laboratory services.
- Specialist Consultations: Cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, and more
- Therapeutic Services: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation services
- Surgical Procedures: Day surgeries and elective procedures across various specialties
- Other Diagnostic Tests: Endoscopy, colonoscopy, and other specialised diagnostic procedures
Our governance is led by our Chief Medical Officer, supported by a team of qualified consultant appraisers and the Medical Directorate. As a Designated Body, we work closely with the GMC and NHS Regional Medical Directors, meeting regularly to ensure clinical excellence. This year, we’re launching a new governance and risk management framework, integrating all areas of our operations to improve performance visibility and coordination across the organisation.
Patient safety is central to our mission. We follow the NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) to ensure prompt responses and continuous learning from safety incidents. In 2023-24, we maintained a low average risk score of 3 for incidents, with no Serious Incidents or Harm reported. Our ongoing research aims to enhance safety further through data-driven insights.
Medefer partners with national and local providers for diagnostics and treatment, including a growing network of independent sector providers. If a diagnostic location is over an hour away, we give patients the option of travelling or transferring to a local hospital.
You can find more about our diagnostic locations in our directory of services and locations.
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