Management, Recording and Reporting Waiting Times
We are responsible for the production, management and reporting of the waiting times for Cardiothoracic (heart and lung) patients. This is reported directly to the Scottish Government Health Department.
All other patient activity, where we provide capacity for territorial Boards is recorded and communicated to the referring Boards to allow for local patient tracking and waiting time reporting. We will ensure:
- That the necessary resources, systems and operational procedures are in place to support the delivery of the waiting time targets.
- That all staff undertake training to support waiting time management.
- Ensure NWTC capacity is being utilised in line with agreements.
- Ensure that procedures are in place to support the recording and communicating of all patient outcomes.
When a patient is referred to NWTC, the following information must be recorded:
- Patient CHI and UCPN number
- Patient demographic details
- Patient contact telephone numbers
- GP details
- Periods of unavailability
- Ability to accept short notice admission
- Procedure (if known)
- Suitable for pooled list/clinician specifically wishes to do procedure
- Clinical urgency - e.g. urgent inpatient, elective priority or elective routine Intended management – inpatient, day case
- Any other information that will aid the smooth admission of the patient, and any relevant medical history e.g. diabetic, latex allergy
- Date of clinic
If a consultant deems a referral to be inappropriate, it must be returned to the referring Board/GP with an explanation.
If a referral has been made and the specialisation of the Consultant does not match the needs of the patient, the Consultant should cross-refer the patient to the appropriate colleague (where such a service is provided by the Board) and the referral amended on our PAS.
All referrals will be allocated an appointment in order of clinical priority and date on list. Where cancellations are initiated by us, patients will be booked as close to their original appointment as possible, and still within their original guarantee date.
