Out-of-Region Referrals and NHS Right to Choose
CEMIG accepts appropriate out-of-region referrals in accordance with the NHS Right to Choose framework and the NHS Standard Contract for Severe Endometriosis.
For patients outside North West Surrey and Surrey Heartlands ICS, referrals should ordinarily meet one of the following criteria:
Accepted Referrals
- Proven severe endometriosis;
- Deep endometriosis (DE)
- Rectovaginal, bowel, bladder, ureteric or nerve endometriosis
- Non-severe endometriosis refractory to treatment
- Referral should include details of diagnosis and treatment provided already and accompanied by explanation for why patient is not deemed suitable for management at local BSGE Endometriosis centre.
Exclusions
The following referrals would not ordinarily meet criteria for tertiary acceptance:
- Pelvic pain without evidence or suspicion of endometriosis
- Non-severe endometriosis responding to treatment
- Second opinions – these should be managed locally in the first instance
- Gynaecological cancer (managed under cancer pathways / specifications)
Triage Process
All out-of-region referrals should be triaged by the Endometriosis CNS and/or Consultant.
Referrals not meeting tertiary severe endometriosis criteria may be redirected to the patient’s local secondary care gynaecology or endometriosis service.
This pathway is intended to:
- Maintain access for patients requiring tertiary severe endometriosis care
- Ensure compliance with the NHS Standard Contract for Severe Endometriosis
- Support safe waiting times and specialist MDT capacity