The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was one of the top five most improved Trusts in England for RTT performance this March, achieving 64.3% and delivering a 15.8% year-on-year improvement.
A large-scale triage project covering over 8,000 patients delivered management plans to those who didn’t require acute care, being a key contributor to this performance.
What the Trust did
Since August 2025, the Trust has collaborated with Consultant Connect using NHS consultants to triage referrals across dermatology, ENT, vascular, and, from January 2026, gynaecology services. Patients received management plans when clinically appropriate, allowing their treatment to commence immediately and avoiding long waits. All other patients were placed on the right pathway, including upgrades where necessary, whilst those suitable for community-based Tier 2 services were redirected.
The triaging consultants shared their analysis of common referral patterns and opportunities for GP education around referral guidelines and investigations.
ENT: More than 3,800 referrals were triaged, with 18% removed from the waiting list, including returns to primary care with detailed management plans and redirections to more suitable services. A further 18% were identified as suitable for a Tier 2 community service, resulting in a possible waiting list reduction of 36%.
Dermatology: More than 2,500 dermatology referrals were triaged, with 14% removed from the waiting list and returned to primary care with management plans in place. A further 59% were identified as suitable for Tier 2 services, resulting in a possible total waiting list reduction of 73%.
Vascular: More than 1,600 referrals were triaged, with 31% safely removed from the waiting list and either returned to primary with comprehensive advice, or redirected to a more appropriate service. The remaining 69% were seen in the right place the first time.
If you’d like more information on how our referral triage services can support your NHS area, please email hello@consultantconnect.org.uk or call 01865 951207.
