GPs in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge should now offer FIT to patients without rectal bleeding who meet the following symptom criteria:
OR
OR
Patients given a FIT should also be given a patient information leaflet, detailing practical advice on how to collect their stool sample and expected next steps. The information leaflet has been translated into 11 of the most common spoken languages in London:
https://www.healthylondon.org/suspected-cancer-referrals/patient-information-leaflets/
GP practices should add patients to their safety netting systems, ensuring that patients are followed up if FIT samples are not returned or if patients do not attend their urgent appointment.
The Transforming Cancer Services Team have amended the Urgent Lower GI Suspected Cancer Referral Form ready for the roll out of Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for symptomatic low risk but not no risk patients (NICE DG30) https://www.healthylondon.org/suspected-cancer-referrals/
There have been a number of incidents at BHRUT’s pathology lab where stool samples have been sent in inappropriate containers, meaning that analysis cannot be carried out.
Please ensure that your patients are given the correct test kit to avoid any delay in obtaining their results. These containers are available to order from pathology, using the same system as when ordering sample pots or blood test tubes.
Further details on how to order these and key contact details are below:
This information, including the patient leaflet and new referral form, is also elsewhere on the GP intranet.
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