Colorectal Cancer - Information for referrers
Referral route
Urgent suspected cancer (“2ww”) lower GI/ colorectal referrals are managed on e-RS by a ‘Referral Assessment Service (RAS)’. This means appointment bookings cannot be made by the referrer and will ‘defer to provider’. Please refer into ‘2ww Lower GI/colorectal RAS’. We will then triage your referral and book the patient into one of our straight to test colorectal services:
The first appointment will be by phone unless a face-to-face appointment is required, (e.g. for rectal or anal mass, mental impairment or no capacity). We then book a straight to test service with the patient.
The service is for people aged 18+ years.
Possible procedures on typical USC (“2ww”) pathway
Colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT pneumocolon, CT CAP.
Essential tests prior to referral
FIT (if clinically appropriate) and FBC, U&E, Iron Studies within 6 months.
Test results must be available in time for the first appointment. Failure to do so may delay patients' treatment.
If a patient is not able or refuses to have investigations, please state this in the referral form.
Optional tests (concurrent to referral) or other useful information
If clinically appropriate, Helicobacter pylori screening, stool microscopy, MC&S, coeliac screening. These tests may rule out the need for urgent suspected cancer referral.
Things the hospital or patient need to know
As first appointment will be by phone, please confirm the patient's phone number
What the hospital tells the patient in letters
We will try our best to call you on time. Please allow one hour from your appointment time for this call, keep your phone free and nearby you during this time. Make sure your phone can receive calls from private or unknown numbers. (Check this with your telephone provider). Try to stay in a quiet place during the call.
Your telephone appointment may be with a nurse or a doctor.
You may need to have tests before your appointment. If so, someone will be in touch with the details. Please ensure you attend these tests before your appointment.
Useful information