My request is for information specifically regarding the neurology department and referrals.
- When a patient is referred by another consultant for a second opinion from another hospital, according to government guidelines how long should a patient wait for an appointment?
There is no indicator which indicates if a consultant-to-consultant referral is from another hospital or not. The waiting time will depend on the referral. If a patient has been referred for the same condition, then the clock of the original referral will still run so they will need to be within 18 weeks of when the original referral was received.
If the patient is referred for a different condition, the current clock will stop and another clock will start and they will have to be seen within 18 weeks of this referral.
- When a patient is referred by another consultant for a second opinion from another hospital, typically how long does a patient wait for an appointment?
As above
- When a patient is referred by another consultant for a second opinion from the same hospital, according to government guidelines how long should a patient wait for an appointment?
As above
- When a patient is referred by another consultant for a second opinion from the same hospital, typically how long does a patient wait for an appointment?
As above
- When a patient is referred by another consultant for a second opinion from the same department and all current treatment is stopped, according to government guidelines how long should a patient wait for an appointment?
When treatment is completed the clock will stop and the Trust will no longer have to comply with the 18 weeks rule. After treatment patients can be put on a period of being actively monitored. There are no guidelines for how long a patient should wait for the next appointment. However if there is a decision to treat a new clock will start at this point. There is no Government guidance which states when the patient should be treated following watchful waiting.
The following document from NHS England provides guidance which you may find useful: Recording and reporting referral to treatment (RTT) waiting times for consultant-led elective care
- When a patient is referred by another consultant for a second opinion from the same department and all current treatment is stopped, typically how long does a patient wait for an appointment?
We do not have a process to capture this information, however you may find the guidelines referred to above useful.
