Most of our projects now use the National Consultant Network (NCN). Why? Because it’s so flexible. The service can be rapidly switched on/switched off to provide short or long-term relief to local clinicians.
The NCN comprises out-of-area NHS consultants who can answer pre-referral advice and guidance calls and/or review photo and message requests. They can:
- Support local consultants, acting as backup when they can’t respond to requests;
- Provide specialties that are not locally available
- Answer all Advice & Guidance queries from primary care
Calls and messages to the NCN have seen impressive growth over the last 6 years:
Read the complete Enhanced Advice & Guidance Performance benchmarks report here.
NCN In Practice | Testimonials
We’ve used a selection of our case studies to highlight how the NCN plays a significant part in supporting clinicians and patients across the country:
‘Recently, I contacted a neurologist on the NCN after seeing a patient with a recent diagnosis of secondary metastatic cancer to the brain. The patient has an unknown primary, but the secondary cancer was causing seizures. He’d already been seen in hospital and had commenced anti-epileptic medication, but since then had had another seizure, so I knew he needed an increased dosage of the medication. I got through to the consultant neurologist in a few minutes. I had the entire conversation during the patient’s consultation without needing to go through any switchboards or wait on hold indefinitely. The consultant neurologist I spoke with gave me a perfect plan, including what to bridge the medication with. Consultant Connect made it easy for the patient and me to deal with his condition and keep him out of hospital.’ Read the case study.
‘A GP called via the service to ask for advice about treatment for H. pylori in a young child. Although not a paediatrician, as an adult gastroenterologist, I was able to discuss whether or not this warranted treatment, rather than discussing specific treatment methods. The GP found this extremely useful and was very pleased to be able to talk it through with a specialist.’ Read the case study.
‘Using Consultant Connect is so much quicker than the alternative route of seeking A&G via the secretaries. A colleague requested A&G from the local diabetic team via the secretaries for a medication adjustment. After six months without a response, the patient followed up to see why we hadn’t heard back. I forwarded the request my colleague had sent via Consultant Connect to the NCN and got an answer within 24 hours, enabling me to make a plan for the patient there and then. I’d be lost without Consultant Connect.’ Read the case study.
‘I was able to help with the management of Pericarditis and at the same time advise appropriate evaluation to be certain that cocaine had not damaged this patient’s heart.’ Read the case study.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about how the NCN could support your NHS area, email hello@consultantconnect.org.uk or call us on 01865 951 207.
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