Urgent Cancer Referrals

The pan-London Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC) referral forms (previously known as Two Week Wait referrals) were last updated in August 2024, working with our IT development partner DXS.

GPs, dentists and optometrists in all London boroughs are advised to use the pan-London USC referral forms when referring patients with a suspected cancer, as they contain the updated guidelines from NICE published in 2015 (NG12) as well as additional tumour-specific referral criteria and deviations which have been agreed for the London area.

While guidelines assist the practice of healthcare professionals, they do not replace their knowledge, skills or clinical judgement. NG12 also supports clinicians to refer patients appropriately where cancer is suspected even if the patient does not meet NG12/Pan-London referral criteria.

Referrers should include as much clinical and patient sensitive information as possible to enable swift triage and processing.

 

Key documents

The latest pan-London USC referral forms can be downloaded here:

 

Electronic Referral System (e-RS)

The Electronic Referral System (e-RS), formally known as choose and book, is the preferred booking method for suspected cancer referrals. A national standard set by NHS England states that by October 2018 all first consultant led appointments (including 2ww) should be booked via e-RS. The e-RS improves reliability and patient safety which is consistent with good practice, as well as improving patient experience. If e-RS is not available then referrer should email the referral form to the provider using the directory at the top of each referral form.

 

Queries and support

If you have technical questions about the referral forms, we recommend contacting your borough Cancer and IT lead or your local service desk in the first instance. For any other questions regarding the referral forms please contact: england.tcstlondon@nhs.net

DO NOT send referral forms with patient identifiable information to this email address.