The Referral Support Service (RSS) aims to support general practice when a decision to refer a patient is being considered, this is to help ensure patients are seen at the right place, at the right time and referrers have peer support when a decision is made.

It brings together local system information and expertise to support referrals decisions, local, centralised and coordinated e-RS booking process for patients, empowered by ICB knowledge of contracts and commissioned pathways and provides supportive peer review through trusted local clinicians and with quarterly summated feedback. Contact your local ICB for more information.

Benefits to the practice:

• streamlined efficient referral processes, freeing–up administrative resource
• support and advice for clinicians and admin staff at the point of referral
• peer review and support from local GPs
• information / advice available regarding complex management and referral pathways
• local referral pathway information available via web link +/- DXS
• shadowing opportunities (particularly helpful for training new staff / consistency)

Benefits to patients:

• they are assessed, investigated and treated by the right person, at the right place and at the right time
• use of increasing number of local community services, providing investigation and care closer to home for more patients
• choice supported; based on appropriate provider options, locations, access and waiting times
• reduced number of outpatient appointments due to prior work-up along agreed pathways
• supportive point of contact for referral and booking queries

Next page: DOS (Directory of local services)