Referrals

Last Updated: 19/7/2026

Sustainable health and wellbeing are the product of a broad base of support.

I recommend referral to other practitioners whenever their knowledge, skills or services would complement the care I provide. I’m committed to ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for your individual circumstances.

When I may recommend a referral

I may recommend that you consult another healthcare professional if:

  • further assessment, examination, testing or investigation would help clarify your diagnosis or guide treatment;

  • another practitioner has expertise that would complement your herbal treatment;

  • you would benefit from therapies or support that fall outside my own scope of practice or areas of expertise;

  • you would benefit from additional physical, psychological, nutritional or social support alongside herbal medicine;

  • your health changes in a way that suggests your treatment plan should involve another healthcare professional; or

  • I believe another practitioner has expertise that is better suited to your current needs.

Who I may refer you to

Depending on your circumstances, I may suggest referral to:

  • your GP or another medical doctor;

  • an NHS or private medical specialist;

  • another clinical herbalist with specialist expertise;

  • a counsellor or psychotherapist;

  • a physiotherapist, osteopath or another appropriate movement or manual therapist;

  • a qualified yoga therapist or Tai Chi instructor;

  • an appropriately qualified exercise professional;

  • pregnancy, fertility, birth or postnatal support professionals;

  • a nutrition professional; or

  • another regulated & appropriately qualified health or wellbeing practitioner.

Recommendations are always made on the basis of your individual situation rather than following a standard pathway.

I never receive commissions or payments for recommending or referring to other practitioners.

How referrals are managed

Usually, I discuss my recommendation with you during your consultation or in a follow-up email and explain why I believe another professional could contribute to your care. You are usually responsible for arranging the appointment yourself, although I may provide contact details, a referral letter or a summary of your case if this would be helpful.

Where appropriate, I will follow up at a later consultation to understand the outcome of your referral and consider how any recommendations can be incorporated into your herbal treatment plan.

Sharing information

I will only share information about your health with another practitioner where you have given your informed consent, normally in writing (for example by email)

The only exception is where I have a professional or legal duty to share relevant information without your consent, such as certain safeguarding situations. In these circumstances, I will aim to discuss my actions with you whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Information-sharing consent follows the same principles outlined in my Consultation Terms.

Written consent for information sharing is retained as part of your clinical record in accordance with the retention guidelines in my Privacy Policy.

Working collaboratively

If you are already receiving care from another healthcare professional, I encourage you to let me know so that I can take this into account when planning your herbal treatment.

It is especially important that you provide an accurate and up-to-date list of all medications, supplements and herbal products you are taking so that I can assess for potential interactions and contraindications when planning your treatment.

Likewise, if you are comfortable doing so, I encourage you to tell your other healthcare providers that you are receiving herbal treatment. Open communication between practitioners can help ensure your care is coordinated and appropriate, while allowing you to benefit from the different perspectives and expertise that each profession brings.

Continuity of care

In most cases, a referral does not mean that your herbal treatment needs to end. Where appropriate, I will continue to work with you alongside other practitioners. My aim is to ensure that your care remains coordinated, consistent, safe and centred on your individual health goals.

If it becomes clear that another practitioner is better placed to take the lead in your ongoing care, I will discuss this with you and support you in making an informed decision about the next steps.

Jurisdiction

This Referral Policy is governed by the laws of Scotland.