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Referring to our services
We are committed to making the referral process easy, efficient and reliable for both you as a GP and for your patients.
Our aim is to ensure that all patients waiting for an outpatient appointment, diagnostic test, elective or planned admission are managed in line with National Waiting List Guidance, the NHS Constitution (opens in a new window) and the NHS Operating Framework. This includes patients with a suspected cancer diagnosis.
Referring to our services
Referral guidelines and forms
You'll find referral forms and/or guidance for the following services below:
- Allergy
- Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Centre of Pain Education (COPE)
- Maternity
- Paediatrics
- Rapid access chest pain clinic
- Sutton Community Gynaecology Service
- TIA
Allergy referrals
Cancer
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.
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.
- Brain CNS cancer referral form[docx] 55KB
- Breast cancer referral form [docx] 84KB
- Children's cancer referral form[docx] 62KB
- Colorectal cancer referral form[doc] 50KB
- Gynaecology cancer referral form[docx] 57KB
- Haematology cancer referral form[docx] 60KB
- Head neck cancer referral form[docx] 61KB
- Lower GI cancer referral form [docx] 63KB
- Lung cancer referral form[docx] 60KB
- Ophthalmology cancer referral form [docx] 123KB
- Sarcoma cancer referral form [docx] 62KB
- Skin cancer referral form[docx] 66KB
- Upper GI cancer referral form[docx] 59KB
- Urology cancer referral form[docx] 57KB
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
For more information, please see chronic fatigue syndrome.
Centre of Pain Education
For information about referring to the Centre of Pain Education (COPE) please see our leaflet called Information for referrers [pdf] 348KB
Maternity
Paediatrics
Rapid access chest pain clinic
Sutton Community Gynaecology Service
TIA
Referrals for Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) patients should follow the TIA pathways for each site.
Please use the appropriate referral form (see below) and email it to stroke-sth@nhs.net (St Helier) or est-tr.epsomstroke@nhs.net (Epsom). Our fax machines are no longer in use. Do not send referrals by post in order to ensure patients are seen promptly.
At St Helier, the Stroke team can be contacted for advice about TIA referrals on 07791 123 499 (Monday - Thursday, 8am - 4pm and Friday, 8am - 12noon). At Epsom, please call 01372 735379 or alternatively bleep 971 to discuss with the stroke nurse.
It is important that patients are referred in a timely manner ?to minimise the risk of stroke.
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