As you will be aware, BHRUT has significant capacity constraints in certain specialties, which have created considerable backlogs of patients on waiting lists.
From today (8 July), BHRUT will use the Capacity Alert function on the electronic referral system (e-RS) to help you identify which specialities are under the most pressure and identify nearby alternative providers where your patient will be able to be seen or treated more quickly than BHRUT can at present.
You should now be able to see the capacity alert and alternative providers for pain management on e-RS. We are currently finalising arrangements for rheumatology services and will update you as soon as the capacity alerts are live for this service too.
This process allows BHRUT to focus on treating the backlog of patients already on the waiting list. Any new referrals will be seen by alternative providers, which will mean shorter waiting times for new patients too.
Offering the choice of alternative providers to your patients means they are aware of current waiting times and are able to make an informed decision as to where they could receive their care and treatment sooner.
If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact the Mina Epelle in our Planned Care team by email M.Epelle@nhs.net or telephone 020 3182 2964.
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