The South West London Cancer Network (SWLCN) provides the highest quality services to cancer patients, their families and carers - from presentation through to living with or beyond cancer to palliative or end of life care.
The Network has five constituent secondary care providers:
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Epsom and St Helier University Hospital NHS Trust;
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The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust;
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St George's Healthcare NHS Trust;
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Croydon University Hospital NHS Trust;
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Kingston Hospital.
To facilitate the process of referring a patient for a specialist opinion, the SWLCN has developed an advice pack for local GPs, the 'GP suspected cancer referral guidelines'. This document contains the criteria and guidelines for each cancer type, which are based on NICE guidelines with minor additions/adjustments where necessary (based on the clinical experience and expertise available within the SWLCN).
The criteria allow GPs scope to investigate patients urgently prior to referral. There are tumour specific referral forms as well as a generic referral form (at the request of many GPs).
Each referral criterion has a designated 'code'. When using the generic referral form, please insert the cancer site and code in the appropriate boxes.
Please destroy all pre-existing 'urgent suspected cancer' referral forms. Cancer units may initially ask for more information should a referral not meet one of the criteria. Please note that basal cell carcinomas of the skin should never be referred by the urgent suspected cancer route.
GPs are requested to indicate on the referral if the patient has been made aware of the nature of the referral and if they have been provided with supportive information. The referral should also signify that the patient will be available within the next two weeks and that they do wish to consult with a secondary care specialist. Any particular support or information needs must also be specified.
Data will be collected concerning patients who have been referred but are unable to attend an appointment due to other personal commitments such as a holiday. GPs are therefore asked to ensure that their patient is able to attend an appointment within the two weeks from the referral being made.
This is particularly important for patients being referred with suspected testicular cancer or leukaemia or if the patient is a child. These groups of patients enter a 31 day pathway instead of a 62 day pathway which applies to all other categories.
Primary healthcare professionals may find that providing the SWLCN leaflet 'Your urgent referral: the two week wait referral system' helpful in most cases. The leaflet is is included in the advice pack as appendix one.
Since 1 January 2009, GPs have been expected to ensure that their patients have received an appointment. If your patient has not received an appointment within three working days of referral, you should contact the hospital to whom you sent the referral.
If you have any comments or ideas you would like to share about the GP advice pack or the referral forms, please use the online feedback section of the SWLCN website.
