We are committed to receiving primary care referrals via the NHS e-Referral Service. As well as offering a simplified and fully integrated booking service covering most specialties, the service is a key opportunity to improve the patient experience.

It offers the certainty of a confirmed appointment and reduces waiting times compared to traditional referral methods.

We are always looking to improve our services. Please call the e-Referral team on 01622 228571 or email mtw-tr.ers@nhs.net if you have any queries.

As we are a tertiary centre, there is no need to refer patients to London-based hospitals in the first instance. They can be referred directly to us at the earliest opportunity, using the normal referral procedure. Urgent referral routes are available for conditions such as DDH, clubfoot, slipped epiphyses etc.

Please contact the Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinical Admin Unit on 01622 228221 (adults) or 01622 228225 (paediatrics) for more information.

The consultants are also happy to discuss problems directly by email. Please note, Mr Katchburian also takes adult hand referrals.

In an effort to streamline the large number of referrals to the Neurology service for migraine or primary headache disorder we have been working with the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) to create resources to support our GP colleagues managing headaches in the community.

Resources include a guideline for Management of Adults with Headaches and Migraines in Primary Care, developed by pharmacists, GP and neurologists which offers current, evidence-based guidance for management of all common headache disorders.

We have also implemented a new pilot referral proforma, now a mandatory part of headache referral to our neurology services. The form can also be found on the DORIS GP system.

The Trust’s Respiratory Practitioner team provides an Integrated Care Pathway for adult patients with a diagnosis of COPD.

This service delivers advanced clinical management to all COPD patients registered with a GP in West Kent.

Patients are reviewed predominantly at home, with the aim of supporting them to manage their condition and avoid hospital admission where possible. Patients are also educated on the correct use of inhaler devices, breathing techniques and the importance of physical activity. As part of our multidisciplinary approach to COPD, the team also has access to multidisciplinary meetings and to rapid access (‘HOT’) clinics.

Referrals to the Integrated Care Pathway service are welcome from primary care, secondary care and other community services. Patients who have previously used the service can also self-refer.

The Respiratory Practitioner team provides the following support in the community:

• Review of patients with a rapid deterioration of symptoms
• Review and management of patients having frequent exacerbations or recent admission to hospital
• Assistance with inhaler management
• Management of atypical COPD symptoms

As part of the integrated pathway, the team also receives referrals to the Trust’s other services:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Home oxygen assessment and review service

For further referral information and advice, please email mtw-tr.ICP-RESP@nhs.net

Download the referral forms:

• Integrated Care Pathway referral form
• West Kent pulmonary rehabilitation referral form