2-Week Rule – Rapid Diagnostic Service (RDS)

This leaflet will tell you about the 2-week Rule referral system for the Rapid Diagnostic Service (RDS).

Why am I being referred on a 2 Week Wait – Rapid Diagnostic Service Pathway?

A 2-week wait referral means that you will be offered an appointment with a hospital A 2-week rule referral means you will be offered an appointment with a hospital specialist team within 14 days of your GP asking for the appointment.

You will have been given this leaflet by your GP, as they think you might need further tests using the RDS pathway.

These symptoms may include:

• abdominal pain
• unintentional weight loss
• persistent fatigue or loss of appetite

This is so your problem can be investigated and treated quickly and effectively, if needed.

The aim of the RDS is to quickly investigate patients with nonspecific symptoms, so potential cancers can be picked up at an earlier stage.

The RDS team will phone you to arrange an appointment. They will also give you information about the types of investigations you will need and when you should expect a call with further information about the investigations.

What will happen before my appointment?

Before your appointment, your GP will have asked you to go for a chest X-ray, hand in a stool (poo) sample and ordered blood tests to check for any obvious problems.

Even if some of these tests show there are no problems, you may still be referred to the RDS service. This is because you will need to see a specialist or have some further tests to work out what is causing your symptoms.

Does this mean I have cancer?

It is important to remember that even though you are being referred urgently, this does not necessarily mean you have cancer. For the majority of patients, the results will NOT show signs of cancer or a serious condition.

However, it is important we identify any conditions and find the best way to manage your care.

What tests might I have?

The following are examples of tests you may be offered as part of the RDS pathway:

Endoscopy

This is a procedure where the inside of your body is examined using an instrument called an endoscope. An endoscope is a long, thin flexible tube that has a light and a camera at one end.

We can look at your throat, stomach and upper part of your small bowel (this called an OGD or gastroscopy), or the large bowel (this is called a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy and is only used if we are just looking at the last part of the large bowel).

Images of the inside of your body are shown on a television screen.

CT scan

A CT scan is an X-ray test that takes detailed images of the inside of your body. It is performed while you lie down on a table that will move through the scanner.

If the results of your tests are normal, you may be referred back to your GP for ongoing management of your symptoms.

However, if your results show there is a problem you will be referred to a specialist in the hospital who will take over your care. This would be explained to you if it happens.

What will happen at my hospital appointment?

Any results from tests carried out by the RDS service will be discussed with you and explained in detail. This can be by telephone, letter or a face-to-face hospital appointment.

The specialist team often give people a lot of information during their hospital appointment. Because of this, many people find it useful to bring a family member or friend with them.

You may find it useful to write down any questions you want to ask during your appointment. We have included a section in this leaflet for you to write questions on.

How do I get to hospital?

If you cannot use public transport, drive or arrange your own transport, you may be able to use the ambulance service. Contact your GP for patient transport information.

Volunteer driver service

If you cannot get to hospital yourself or with help from friends or family, you may be able to use the ambulance service. If you need to use this service you should contact your GP for help with this.

Volunteer driver service

We run a volunteer driver service to help patients access our hospital services in a more convenient way.

We know some people have difficulty getting to our hospital sites. We also understand that once you have been to your appointment you want to get back home as quickly as possible.

We offer a flexible service to suit your needs.

If you need help getting to and from your hospital appointment, then we are here to help. You simply need to call the number below to book one of our volunteer drivers.

If you would like to see if you can book a driver, please contact our service desk on 01429 522550 who will try to help you.

How important is this appointment?

Your GP believes your symptoms need to be investigated urgently. This means, it would help if you can make sure you are available for appointments, and make every effort to attend.

If you are unable to attend the date of your appointment or investigations, you must inform the team as soon as possible on the number in the contact details section of this leaflet.

This is to make sure your future hospital appointments can be appropriately arranged.

We will do our best to make sure you are seen as soon as possible on an alternative date and time.

Contact numbers

Rapid Diagnostic Service

Phone: 01642 624165
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]