Direct Access Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Service (NOUS)

Description

NHS North West Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group will commission a local, direct access non-obstetric ultrasound service delivered by staff with appropriate levels of experience and qualifications, using ultrasound equipment which complies with the guidance set by the Royal College of Radiologists. The aim of the service is to aid early diagnostics, avoid the need for unnecessary referral to secondary care and to support the provision of care closer to the patient's home delivering improved access and convenience. Providers will be required to provide diagnostic investigation and a report to the referrer, which covers the description of the investigation and findings and, where appropriate, any recommendations which may include further imaging or investigation and advice on Primary Care management. • Upon receipt of a referral the provider will contact the patient within a maximum of five working days post receipt • Scanning will be undertaken within ten working days of acceptance of referral and in exceptional circumstances within a maximum of four weeks. • The Patient will be offered a choice of day and time of appointment that is convenient to them. • Opening times and frequency of clinics are to meet access requirements and patients' needs. • The service will be made available on e-RS. • Access to previous investigations and onward access to investigations for future Providers must be made available. • The Provider will ensure Patients have an adequate understanding of the proposed ultrasound scan before the appointment and any particular preparations that they will need to make, by providing written information in advance that explains the purpose of the ultrasound scan, what it involves and when and how they can expect to receive the results. This information should be reinforced on arrival at the appointment, consistent with the written information already received. • Providers must provide literature for referrers to assist them in the decision making processes associated with deciding upon the most suitable type of diagnostic test for the Patient and their presentation, that will achieve the best and quickest diagnostic outcome. Treatment will be provided in line with agreed clinical protocols and NICE guidelines and Royal College guidance • The Provider shall not discriminate between or against Patients or Carers on the grounds of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation or any other non-medical characteristics. This includes patients requiring hoisting or disability needs such as wheelchairs. • The Provider will provide appropriate assistance and make reasonable adjustments for Patients and Carers who do not speak, read or write English or who have communication difficulties. • Providers will provide to Commissioners detailed referral statistical information about , referring organisations, service utilisation, referral rejection rate and clinical outcome to allow refinement of the clinical pathway.