The Non-Specific Rapid Diagnosis Service (NS RDS) is part of the NHS Cancer Programme to speed up cancer diagnosis and improve patient’s experience. The intended cohort for NS RDS would be those patients with concerning symptoms suspicious of a cancer diagnosis but not fitting into a ‘site specific’ urgent cancer pathway.
The aims of the service are:
- An earlier and faster diagnosis for patients, whether or not they are diagnosed with cancer
- Excellent patient experience, a holistic assessment of patient needs, and streamlined support across community, primary and secondary care
- Increase capacity in the urgent cancer referral system as a whole, through more efficient diagnostic pathways and reduction in duplication of imaging.
There will be dedicated weekly CT slots for the NS rapid diagnosis referrals and the team will be meet weekly in a MDT to discuss outcomes and further management. This means that CT scans will able to be performed and reported faster than the current direct access imaging.
As a new service the team encourage referrers to seek advice prior to referral if they are not sure if the pathway is suitable for their patients.
We welcome contact via the NS RDS email address; wuth.non-specific-symptomsrds@nhs.net or direct dial 0151- 482-7824 (Internal extension 3273)
The service can be found on ERS under Specialty: 2WW
2WW Non-Specific Symptoms RDS Referral Assessment Service - Arrowe Park Hospital RBL
Care Navigator- Karen Church- 0151 482 7824
Advanced Nurse Practitioner- Jessica Gilmore
Clinical Lead- Dr Alison Hufton
We are based at WUTH and office hours 9-5pm Mon-Fri