Issue - meetings

The Board received an update on the introduction of the referral facilitation system in Halton, in light of the national digital programme.

It was reported that in October 2016, NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCGs) Governing Body approved an invest-to-save approach for the implementation of a Referral Facilitation System (RFS) as part of the CCG Quality Referral Programme.  The process was to facilitate the transfer of primary care referrals to secondary care via a secure electronic Integrated Care Gateway (ICG).

A patient would then be offered a choice of secondary Care Provider via use of the national e-referral system (where it was available).  The administration associated with e-referral i.e. contacting the patient and booking them into an appropriate clinic electronically, was then handled by the centralised Referral Management Centre (RMC) which was currently provided by Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU).

The report discussed the national programme developments, since the implementation of the referral system in Halton.  Further it discussed the implications for Primary Care and the RFS locally.

In response to Member’s queries regarding proof of referral and patient notification, it was noted that the referral would be recorded with the relevant GP’s records and that the patient would still receive a letter as they did now, containing details of the appointment.

RESOLVED:  That the report is noted.