Request 1

Does the CCG operate or commission, a referral management centre that assesses referrals by local GPs? If yes, when was this introduced?

Which organisation(s) operates the referral management centre for the CCG?

Please list the relevant branches of medicine that fall under the referral management centre’s remit e.g. cardiology, gastroenterology, palliative care etc.

How much did the CCG spend on referral management centres for GP referrals in the past three financial years (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16)? Please break down by month

Does the CCG track or estimate savings made from using a referral management scheme? If yes, please give actual (or estimated) savings for past three financial years (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16)

How many GP referrals did the CCG process over the past three financial years (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16)? Please break down by month

Over the past three financial years (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16) how many referrals from GPs were rejected? (approx. if necessary) Please break down by month

For this time period please state how many referrals were returned for the following reasons:

Information missing in the referral

Not meeting criteria for commissioning policies and clinical referral guidelines

iii)        A specialist has reviewed the referral and advised the GP on how to treat the patient or has requested other investigations should be carried out ahead of a referral

iv) Any other reason

Please state any other reasons for rejecting a referral and say how many rejections there were of each type 

For the past three financial years (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16) how many complaints has the CCG received about its referral process?

Response 1

Rotherham CCG do not operate or commission a referrals management centre.