Management of Referrals
All outpatient/inpatient referrals received will be registered on our PAS and either booked or added to the outpatient/inpatient waiting list without delay.
The outpatient waiting time target will be calculated from the date the referral is received.
The inpatient waiting time target will be calculated from the date the patient and consultant agree to treatment.
It is our responsibility to ensure patients are treated within their guarantee date on the basis that the referral is received within the agreed timescales as outlined within the Service Level Agreement (SLA).
All referrals must include the following agreed minimum data set:
- Patient’s name, address and telephone numbers
- Community Health Index (CHI) number
- Referring hospital’s medical record number
- Planned procedure (if known)
- Referring consultant
- Date on waiting list at the referring Board
- GP’s details
- Unique Care Pathway Number (UCPN)
- Periods of unavailability
- Armed forces/veteran status
- Additional support needs
- Patient preferred method of contact e.g. letter, phone, email
Referrals that are not considered appropriate by the receiving clinician, are not in line with local guidelines or do not include the complete minimum data set, will be sent back to the referring Board clearly stating the reason for return.
