Urgent Cancer referrals – information for GPs

We have created a toolkit to help healthcare professionals make correct and timely referrals to Homerton’s urgent suspected cancer pathways.

GPs can access the folder of documents here: Homerton Cancer Referral Toolkit (You will need to use your NHS Mail username and password to access the documents)

Documents in this toolkit will be updated regularly. So we would encourage you to use the current version in this folder rather  than downloading and saving it locally.

Purpose of the toolkit

This this toolkit gives you the information you need to have a conversation with your patient about what will happen once they are referred and how to prepare themselves so that we can investigate and – if required – treat  them as soon as possible.

The contents include:

• A Referrals Matrix – a key document outlining the referral pathway (e.g. 
  bookable or non-bookable appointments), procedures performed, essential  and optional tests, things we tell the patient or need to know in advance, and any other useful information.
• Appointment letters – standard appointment letter templates. These can can be tailored by suspected tumour site using the information in the Referrals Matrix (e.g. timings and preparations).
• Patient information PDF – this is a printable PDF version of our website describing  urgent suspected cancer appointments. We have designed this for patients who prefer to read a leaflet rather than reading a webpage.
• Process maps – this is a suite of process maps, including the steps taken 
  across primary and secondary care to manage USC referral appointments. In addition to the regular route, it also includes maps after abnormalities are spotted on a scan (both from those arranged by a GP via direct access  arrangements and when incidental findings are discovered through the course  of cancer investigations) and following advice & guidance.

We launched the toolkit in January 2026. If you have trouble accessing the folder, or if you have any Please send any feedback, questions or comments contact Liz Crisp on Elizabeth.crisp1@nhs.net.