Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: CLKD on October 07, 2024, 04:40:31 PM

Title: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: CLKD on October 07, 2024, 04:40:31 PM
Apparently it will be proposed that women self refer for mammograms/Consultants if worried about their breasts, there4 bypassing busy GP surgeries.  However ......... with the waiting list as they are  :-\  ???
Title: Re: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: bombsh3ll on October 07, 2024, 06:26:31 PM
I think this is a good idea because 100% of women with a breast change already get referred so this isn't a case of opening the floodgates, it should just cut bureaucracy, free up GP appointments and improve access.

This is different to many other conditions which can and should be managed initially in primary care, with referral where indicated.

The only exceptions I can think of are lactating women who typically have thrush or mastitis not cancer but these will probably be signposted to the GP in the first instance.

I imagine the process will involve risk stratifying questions such as family history etc.

It will be interesting to see how this works out in the pilot.
Title: Re: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: Terri123 on October 07, 2024, 09:35:06 PM
Apparently it will be proposed that women self refer for mammograms/Consultants if worried about their breasts, there4 bypassing busy GP surgeries.  However ......... with the waiting list as they are  :-\  ???

I hadn't heard about this.  What is the source of your information on this please?
Title: Re: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: Taz2 on October 07, 2024, 10:34:28 PM
In our doctors surgery it's the same now for musculoskeletal problems. You just self refer via the website and the GP is informed that you've done that.

Taz x
Title: Re: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: Taz2 on October 07, 2024, 10:38:17 PM
Apparently it will be proposed that women self refer for mammograms/Consultants if worried about their breasts, there4 bypassing busy GP surgeries.  However ......... with the waiting list as they are  :-\  ???

I hadn't heard about this.  What is the source of your information on this please?

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/04/women-in-england-with-worrying-breast-lumps-to-be-referred-directly-to-specialists

Taz x
Title: Re: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: Terri123 on October 08, 2024, 06:19:12 AM
Apparently it will be proposed that women self refer for mammograms/Consultants if worried about their breasts, there4 bypassing busy GP surgeries.  However ......... with the waiting list as they are  :-\  ???

I hadn't heard about this.  What is the source of your information on this please?

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/04/women-in-england-with-worrying-breast-lumps-to-be-referred-directly-to-specialists

Taz x

Thank you.
Title: Re: Direct self referral for breast examinations
Post by: CLKD on October 08, 2024, 09:04:09 AM
Tnx Taz - next to an advert about the 'shortage of radiographers' - U couldn't make this up!