Patients from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with worrying breast cancer symptoms can now be referred directly to specialist clinics in hospital, without needing a GP appointment.
The new self-referral service is available via NHS 111 online or the NHS App and means patients do not need to wait for a GP appointment and subsequent hospital referral, offering eligible patients faster access to diagnostic care.
The pilot at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) and North West Anglia Foundation Trust (NWAFT) aims to speed up excluding or confirming a cancer diagnosis for patients, while also reducing pressure on primary care services by freeing up multiple GP appointments.
The self-referral system builds upon ongoing efforts focused on service improvement and transformation, which are integral to the development plans for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. When the breast clinic relocates to the new specialist hospital, these advancements will ensure that patients benefit from streamlined access and innovative care within the new facility.
Patients complete an online symptom assessment via NHS 111 online. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are offered direct self-referral to the specialist breast service at Addenbrooke’s, Peterborough City or Hinchingbrooke Hospitals.
Those who do not meet the criteria are provided with advice and signposted to alternative services that can help with their symptoms.
Currently, around 400 patients a week are referred to specialist breast services at these hospitals via their GP. On average 5% of patients referred are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr James Tanner, consultant radiologist at CUH said:
"This new service will make a huge difference for patients with breast cancer symptoms during what can be a stressful and anxious time. It means they do not need to wait for a GP appointment and can be seen at the earliest opportunity by the specialist team at our breast clinic."
"The self-referral service enables us to either rule out cancer for the vast majority of patients or provide an earlier diagnosis which gives the best possibility of successful treatment."
Dr James Tanner
CUH worked with colleagues from NWAFT and NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board to coordinate setting up the pilot across region.
The self-referral system builds upon ongoing efforts focused on service improvement and transformation, which are integral to the development plans for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. When the breast clinic relocates to the new specialist hospital, these advancements will ensure that patients benefit from streamlined access and innovative care within the new facility. Learn more about Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
The new model of care is in line with the government’s recently published National Cancer Plan which focuses on earlier diagnosis and treatment, with digital services accelerating diagnostics.
Shaida Tanweer, senior product manager at NHS 111 online said:
"Following the success of the initial pilot in Somerset, we’re now expanding this pathway across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to ensure more patients can benefit from faster access to specialist breast services."
"By using NHS 111 online as a digital front door, we’re reducing unnecessary steps in the traditional referral process while maintaining clear clinical eligibility criteria and safeguards. This is about modernising access in a way that benefits both patients and the wider NHS."
Shaida Tanweer, NHS 111 online
Jamie Hanlon, Cancer Operations Manager at NWAFT said: “We are really pleased to support the roll out of a self-referral system to patients in our local communities. It is really important that we enable quick and easy access for anyone who has concerns about breast cancer symptoms. Waiting for appointments can add to stress and anxiety, and potentially delay treatment. Streamlining care will improve patient experience all round which is something we continue to strive to do across our services.”
To access the new breast referral service, patients can visit NHS 111 online here – Get help for your symptoms – NHS 111 (opens in a new tab)