CCG FOI 698 – Inappropriate Referral Policies

Responded to: 3rd November 2016

1a. Does the CCG currently have any procedures in place to reduce non-urgent/unnecessary GP referrals for hospital treatment? (yes or no) Yes

1b. If yes, please provide details: please state which areas/specialities the policy covers, how long it has been in place and how long it will apply.

Please see link to the Effective use of Resources page: https://www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/about-us/treatment-available-on-the-nhs/

1c. If there is no current policy, are there any plans to implement one within the next three months? If so, please give details as in 1b.

2a. Does the CCG currently have any polices in place to reduce inappropriate GP referrals for diagnostic tests? (yes or no) Yes

2b. If so, please give details stating which tests are included, how long this policy has been in place and how long it will apply. NHS Stockport CCG has a policy for the testing of Vitamin D deficiency This policy has been in place for about 4 years and is due for review in the next 9 months

2c. If there is no current policy, are there any plans to implement one within the next three months? If so, please give details as in 2b.

3a. Does the CCG have any policies to reduce inappropriate A&E attendances? If so, please specify. NHS Stockport CCG does not have any specific policies.

There is a GP Visiting Scheme, which deflects North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) Ambulance conveyances and calls from nursing homes to Mastercall.

There is also have the Community IV Therapy service which offers step-up capacity from primary care and prevents admissions.

NHS Stockport CCG is also in the process of developing the Intermediate Tier and Virtual Clinical Hubs which will deflect attendances. These are still in the design phase.

3b. Does the CCG have any policies to redirect patients who have arrived at A&E inappropriately – eg to primary care/pharmacy. If so, please provide details.

NHS Stockport CCG has launched the new acute specialist interface, which is streaming patients with minor conditions away from the emergency department. This is in a “proof of concept” phase at the moment.

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