Most of our projects now use the National Consultant Network (NCN). Why? Because it’s so flexible. The service can be rapidly switched on/switched off to provide short or long-term relief to local clinicians.
The NCN comprises out-of-area NHS consultants who can answer pre-referral advice and guidance calls and/or review photo and message requests. They can:
- Support local consultants, acting as backup when they can’t respond to requests;
- Provide specialties that are not locally available
- Answer all Advice & Guidance queries from primary care
Calls and messages to the NCN have seen impressive growth over the last 5 years:
Read the complete Enhanced Advice & Guidance Performance benchmarks report here.
NCN In Practice | Testimonials
We’ve used a selection of our case studies to highlight how the NCN plays a significant part in supporting clinicians and patients across the country:
‘I took a picture of the patient’s ECG and forwarded it to a consultant cardiologist on the NCN because I was considering whether it was a complete heart block which is not common but life-threatening. If it was, I needed to send him to hospital immediately, but it could also have been arrhythmia, which required a routine referral. The cardiologist responded within the hour, advising that it wasn’t a complete heart block and that referring the patient on a routine pathway would be appropriate.’ Read the case study.
‘A GP called via the service to ask for advice about treatment for H. pylori in a young child. Although not a paediatrician, as an adult gastroenterologist, I was able to discuss whether or not this warranted treatment, rather than discussing specific treatment methods. The GP found this extremely useful and was very pleased to be able to talk it through with a specialist.’ Read the case study.
‘I sent a message via the Consultant Connect App to a consultant neurologist on the NCN after seeing a patient with a neurological concern. The consultant assured me that the patient was suitable for a 40-week referral rather than an urgent one. The response was rapid, and I was able to reassure the anxious patient and put them at ease quickly.’ Read the case study.
‘I was able to help with the management of Pericarditis and at the same time advise appropriate evaluation to be certain that cocaine had not damaged this patient’s heart.’ Read the case study.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about how the NCN could support your NHS area, email hello@consultantconnect.org.uk or call us on 01865 261 467.
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