MANAGEMENT OF REFERRALS

Referrals from GPs to hospital are a key area for quality review and a major generator of commissioning costs. Proposals for new pathways of care focus on changing referral patterns. For these reasons CHEC offers a qualitative and quantitative review of anonymised referrals.

CHEC scores referrals for content and appropriateness, comparing individual practices and groups of practices to peer norms. It reports back and will, on request, give feedback to individual practices. These referral reviews include an analysis of alternative service provision through which a primary care organisation can reduce the need for secondary care referral.

References and case studies from completed projects can be provided on request.

To get more information, including indicative prices, please click here.

THE NEWARK AND SHERWOOD CLINICAL GATEWAY

Newark and Sherwood NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has introduced a Clinical Gateway to manage GP referrals from Monday, 6 February 2012.
The Newark and Sherwood Clinical Gateway is designed to effectively manage the destination of patients to receive the best quality and cost effective care to meet their needs.

The Gateway is being implemented in a phased approach, with Fountain Medical Centre (Newark), Collingham Medical Centre and Major Oak  Medical Practice (Edwinstowe) becoming the first practices to refer into the Gateway. A phased approach for the remaining practices will take place through February and March. The phased approach will enable amendments to be made to the process to ensure it is effective for both patients and clinicians.

The Gateway is being provided for Newark and Sherwood CCG by CHEC (Collingham Healthcare Education Centre), and has been co-designed with local clinicians and commissioners. The Gateway is being introduced to ensure that the many pathways into care and treatment in Newark and Sherwood are used effectively, and will not change any decisions made by clinicians and healthcare professionals for their patients.

Where a patient is identified as needing onward referral for treatment, their GP will make the referral and forward it to the Clinical Gateway. A Patient Care Advisor will contact the patient and discuss their options for appointments. In the longer term, the Advisors will be able to provide additional support and advice for transport options. The Gateway does not replace patient choice, but will help to manage the destination of referrals more effectively.

Patient information will be provided for practices to help with their discussions with patients and carers as the changes are implemented.

For further information, please contact Jacqui Smith at CHEC:  jacqui.smith@gp-c84045.nhs.uk  or 01636 893928