In the Press: National Health Executive
Area Case Study | Triage in Northamptonshire
How it works:
All specialists available are NHS consultants and act as ‘virtual’ consultants who are working as part of a local team and are briefed to follow local protocols and pathways.
Key benefits:
- Manages high volumes quickly
- Follows local pathways
- Results in many referrals being re-prioritised
- Identifies important upgrades
as well as downgrades - Directs referrals to the right service first time
- Communicates all results via e-RS
- Is charged on a per referral basis – no long term commitments
- 100% outcome reporting
Click here: Frequently Asked Questions – Referral Triage
17 specialties available:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Diabetes and Endocrinology
- Elderly Care
- E.N.T
- Gastroenterology
- Gynaecology
- Haematology
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Paediatrics
- Renal Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Surgery
- Trauma & Orthopaedics
- Urology
Outcomes and Impact
The table below shows the outcomes of the waiting list review work, as of April 2022, for over 20,000 referral cases across 14 specialties:
Consultant feedback
“As a specialist in colorectal and general surgery, I think the referral triage project is an excellent idea.I was involved in the initial trial and I have seen referrals which clearly were inappropriate and caused delays in patient management.”
“The opportunities for the NHS are shorter waiting lists at the hospitals – what’s not to like about that! “
A number of referrals were identified to be re-triaged into another department in the hospital, saving an unnecessary first outpatient appointment.
“I found it straightforward and uncomplicated – best done on a laptop / desktop to allow good review of supporting documents. The ability to change referral priority and reply with Advice & Guidance is helpful. It’s also good that supporting photographs can be reviewed in the system.”
“The process Consultant Connect have set up is straightforward and uncomplicated. This means turnaround is fast. We can reply with Advice & Guidance or change a referral priority.”
“I can’t fault any aspect of the triage project as it was easy to access the referrals and make an input.”
Let’s talk
If you would like to discuss how this service works, please email: hello@consultantconnect.org.uk or call on 01865 261 467.