Patient Pathways, Referrals and Criterion

Pre-operative Optimisation of patients prior to surgery 
GPs and Hospital doctors working closely together can improve the health of patients prior to surgery, reduce length of stay and reduce post-operative complications. Dr Maggie Nicol, Clinical Lead for Pre-assessment at Southend Hospital, has prepared some advice for General Practitioners on some of the common problems that are encountered in the pre-operative patient.

• Letter from Dr Nicol
• Guidance

Fracture Liaison Service at Southend Hospital
The role of Fracture Prevention Clinical Nurse Specialist commenced on 5 March 2012.  The role is to case find patients who have sustained a fragility fracture and involves the prevention of secondary fracture.  This will involve the triage patients with this injury, investigation and further fracture risk assessment, commence treatment when indicated, lifestyle advice and if necessary further monitoring and follow up. Please click here for more information, including contact details.

Community referral options
This document sets out details on the range of current and new schemes now available in the community to GP practices, to assist in the management of frail elderly, with the hope of avoiding unplanned admissions to hospital. Click here for more information.

DNAR - new East of England approved form
We have been asked to make you aware of a new form that has been approved by the East Of England SHA for use in a variety of clinical settings such as the community, the hospital and for those working in the ambulance service. This form is to be completed for those that a decision has been taken that it would not be appropriate to attempt active resuscitation. Obviously this is an area where many questions may require consideration and therefore, full training around this document will be delivered over the next few months. Please click here to download the form.

Referral guidelines

• Care and resource utilisation policy

Referral forms and pathways - Southend Hospital and Community

Other referrals