How to Refer
Choose and Book
Many St.Mark's outpatient clinics are available via the Choose and Book System. If your local PCT has a Service Agreement with us, then you should be able to use this method to refer new patients to us.
Further guidance is available at http://www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk/staff/whatis/impact/primary and general information regarding Choose and Book can be found on www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk
Suspected Colorectal Cancer (Two Week Wait Protocol)
As part of North West London Hospital's Trust commitment to the NHS Cancer Plan 2000, we aim to see all patients with suspected cancer within two weeks of urgent GP referral. To assist the Trust in these aims we ask that GPs referring patients to any of the Trust's Cancer Services follow the following procedure:
Download Suspected Colorectal Proforma
This proforma is the preferred method for referring a patient with suspected cancer.
Referrals may be made by letter although this is not the preferred method. The letter should clearly state at the top that it is urgent and that you have a "suspicion of cancer" or that the patient should be managed under the "cancer two week wait" rule.
The letter and/ or proforma should then be faxed to the central fax number in the Booking Centre 020 8235 4188
Inquiries regarding appointments for suspected cancer referrals can be made on 020 8235 4293
Should you require clinical advice prior to a referral, please contact the appropriate member of the relevant team listed in this guide.
To assist us with your referral please ensure your letter contains the following information:
- Full GP and practice details
- NHS number
- Complete patient demographic data including correct name spelling and date of birth
- Patient's contact telephone numbers etc. Please ensure these are correct to enable the booking center to contact the patient to confirm the appointment.
- All relevant clinical information
- Information on any relevant pathology or radiology tests carried out.
It is important we receive your referral within 24 hours of your decision to refer. Please FAX the proforma / letter. DO NOT send by post as this route is often subject to delay. Thank you
Guidelines for referral to The Family Cancer Clinic at St Mark's
Referring patients to The Nutrition Team/IF unit
The Lennard-Jones Intestinal Failure Unit currently offers nutritional services at St Mark's Hospital.
Criteria for referral to the Intestinal Failure Unit are as follows;
1. Intestinal failure for over 6 weeks without evidence of resolution
2. Intestinal fistulae
a. Multiple fistulation in a dehisced abnormal wound
b. Outside the expertise of the referring unit.
3. Short bowel syndrome
a. Total/near total small bowel enterectomy (<30cm residual SB)
b. Metabolic complications
4. Intravenous nutrition (IVN) complications
a. Venous access complications on IVN
b. Recurrent severe infections or venous thrombosis
c. Hepatic or renal dysfunction (problematic)
5. Persistent intra-abdominal sepsis
a. Not responding to radiological/surgical drainage and nutritional support
For intestinal failure referrals please contact the IF Coordinator on 0208 235 4009
