How to Build Referral Relationships with Local GPs and Healthcare Providers

Qualifying is the first step. Actually receiving referrals depends on building genuine relationships with local healthcare providers. Here's a practical starting point.

Start local and specific

• Identify GP surgeries, health centres and leisure trusts in your local area already running or open to exercise referral schemes

• Reach out directly, explaining your qualification and the specific conditions you're trained to work with

• Offer to meet in person. Healthcare providers are far more likely to refer to someone they've actually spoken with

Make it easy for them to refer

Provide a simple one-page overview of what you offer, the conditions you cover, and how referrals reach you. The fewer steps involved for a GP or practice nurse, the more likely they are to use it.

Build trust over time

Referral relationships tend to build gradually rather than all at once. Following up on referred clients' progress (with appropriate consent) and being genuinely reliable is what turns an initial introduction into an ongoing source of clients.

Consider community and leisure trust routes too

Not all exercise referral work comes through individual GP relationships. Many local authorities and leisure trusts run structured schemes that welcome qualified practitioners directly.

Speak to our team about typical routes you use to build referral relationships