Referral information
Please use the links below to refer your patient to the appropriate service at East Kent Hospitals.
If your patient requires information in an alternative format and/or communication support, please include details in the referral to us, in line with the Accessible Information Standard.
Select your service
As we are an acute service, referrals for a SLT assessment of communication and swallowing difficulties are received directly from staff on the ward.
To refer a patient to the Head and Neck Cancer SLT team, please use our referral form.
Download the Head and Neck SLT referral formPlease visit the Kent Community Health Foundation Trust website for information regarding community SLT services.
Our breast screening service is for women without symptoms.
GPs can arrange to refer patients for a mammogram or other tests if needed.
Very high risk referrals
Please send very high-risk referrals to us at ekhuft.kentbreastvhr@nhs.net.
Please download, fill and email the appropriate form below:
GP cardiac investigation referral form GP echocardiogram request formHealth professionals who have gained consent from the child’s parent or carers can send a referral to our service, providing details of the hearing or balance concerns.
We only accept electronic referrals to our email: ekh-tr.eastkentchildrenshearingservice@nhs.net
Referrals will be triaged by our clinical team to the most appropriate clinic using the information given on the referral form or referral letter.
A child/young person can be referred to our service by someone who knows them well and has all the relevant information to complete the referral.
Sometimes we may decide on receiving a referral for your child that it is not appropriate or necessary for your child to be seen by our service. A letter will be sent explaining our reasons to the referrer.
When a child is referred to the service, they may need to be assessed by only one therapy or a combination of two or three.
Our therapy staff will triage the referral and at that point will accept or reject the referral according to the therapy criteria. They will also decide who needs to see the child at their first appointment and the details of this are included in the appointment letter. Referrals that are identified as particularly urgent are fast-tracked while all other referrals are offered an appointment as soon as possible.
Please note children and young people with a Canterbury, Faversham or Thanet GP need to refer to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Providing additional information
Additional information is required with some referrals, listed below. If there is insufficient information on the referral form to make a clinical decision on the appropriate route to the service, the referral will be rejected with a request for more information.
Completing the relevant forms will provide the therapist(s) with valuable information for planning the assessment.
We thank you for your time in completing these. If you have any queries relating to these forms please contact your local service for advice.
Occupational Therapy
Children with mild to moderate motor coordination difficulties affecting school progress are required to have participated in a structured motor programme (FIZZY, Jump Ahead) at school for a minimum of 50 sessions.
Referrals will be returned where this is not the case. This must be evidenced on the additional information form.
If you are referring a child for Occupational Therapy assessment, please attach the Occupational Therapy Additional Information Form:
Download the Occupational Therapy Additional Information formSpeech and Language Therapy
A referral to our Speech and Language service is only required for children who:
are home schooled
have a significant hearing impairment
have a voice disorder
have issues with eating, drinking and/or swallowing.
All other Speech and Language needs are addressed via school link therapy meetings and Special Education Needs Coordinator.
For pre-school children who need help with communication, see our walk-in speech and language service (Talking Walk-ins) - no referral required.
Feeding and Drinking
If you are referring a child specifically for a feeding or drinking related concern then please attach a completed:
Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing additional information formHearing Impairment
If you are referring a child with a recognised hearing loss, please include with the referral form:
a recent report including details of their hearing loss, e.g. Audiogram / ABR
an indication on the referral form how the hearing loss is impacting their speech, language and communication skills.
Physiotherapy
Where available, our Physiotherapy referrals require a clinic letter/report to accompany the referral form.
CYP therapy referral form
Complete our Children and Young People's Therapy referral formPlease note this link is secure, and you do not need to password protect any additional documents.
For referrals to Kent Portage Service please complete the Portage referral form.
When you feel that a pre-child would benefit from support from more than one health professional (including key workers, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and community Paediatrician), use this form to refer children to the NHS Children's Care Co-ordination Team (formerly known as Early Support).
NHS Children's Care Co-ordination team referral formReferrals for preschool children
Referrals for preschool children must be made via the NHS Children’s Care Coordinating Team (NHSCCCT). All children < 4 years old with difficulties in 2 or more developmental areas should be referred into this service using our referral form.
Download our Kent Children’s Care Coordination Team Pre-School referral formA referral to Portage can be made at the same time for those children not in nursery. If children are in nursery a nursery report should be included.
Children not yet in nursery but with concerns about possible ASD should also be referred via the NHSCCCT.
Children in nursery with concerns about possible ASD should be referred with a nursery report, and any other assessment reports e.g. speech and language.
Children referred for a developmental assessment can be referred using the referral form; please include any assessments already completed and a clear reason for the request.
Where a child is due to start school in the September (and the concerns relate to social communication) the referral should go via the school age below if the referral is being sent after April.
The referrals should be sent to the relevant email address on the referral form.
Referrals for school age children
Referrals from school must be completed via our online school referral form.
Children with concerns about possible ASD – please include a school report and any assessments already completed.
Transfers into our area – please send copies of all reports.
Please download, fill and email the form below which contains all the necessary tests prior to the referral at the EKHUFT fertility service.
Fertility Assessment Referral FormEmail: ekhuft.womenshealthenquiries@nhs.net
Tel: 01227 864369
For further information, please contact Karen Beagley.
To refer to this service please complete an oral and maxillofacial referral form available on Vantage Rego.
Referral criteria
We are a Level 3 provider for complex Oral and Maxillofacial needs to support local practitioners in Level 1 and Level 2 services. If the referral meets our acceptance criteria, patients will be accepted to our department for advice, treatment planning and management (if deemed clinically appropriate).
To refer patients to our service, please complete our Oral Maxillofacial surgery referral form electronically via Vantage Rego
All referrals MUST include a recent radiograph (within 1 year of referral date) if requesting extractions/advice related to dentition
All referrals for soft tissue swelling/lesions MUST include a clinical photograph of the area
Referrals from GPs and other Medical Practitioners asking for patients to access care with our department without a primary care dentist will be rejected unless the patient’s medical history warrants urgent referral. We cannot accept patients only on the basis that they are not unable to access routine dentistry with a primary care dentist. These conditions would need to be assessed by a primary care dentist unless the patient is due to start imminent medical Hospital treatment e.g. Renal transplant.
Those patients who are accepted for treatment will be expected to be registered with a General Dental Practitioner.
NHS England is committed to monitoring for the quality of referrals to secondary care.
Complexity level 1 and 2 Minor oral surgery procedures should be carried out in primary care with General Dental Practitioners, or Dentists with Special Interests in Oral surgery or IMOS providers.
Patients who accept an appointment but then ‘Do Not Attend’ for the appointment without giving prior notice will be discharged to the referring practitioner.
If a patient accepts an appointment and then cancels for the second time, that patient will be discharged to the referring practitioner.
Mandibular Third Molar Extractions:
Removal of mandibular third molars should follow the guidance produced by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines (NICE). Referral to EKHUFT should only be made after patients have had 2 episodes of Acute Pericoronitis managed conservatively and has not resolved their symptoms according to NICE guidelines.
Patients should be made aware of risk of temporary or permanent altered sensation/numbness during third molar extraction prior to referral to EKHUFT.
In cases of high risk of nerve damage, we sometimes supplement our consent process with the addition of CBCT radiographs, if it will impact the management strategy. Please inform patients that additional investigations such as Cone Beam CT scans may be needed as part of their diagnosis and treatment plan.
We do not offer General Anaesthesia routinely for all lower wisdom teeth extractions. Please see below for indications for G.A procedures.
TMJD
Primary care Dentists and GPs referring patients for TMJD management should refer to the 2024 Royal College of Surgeon’s guidelines on TMJD as well as 2021 NICE guidelines on TMJD in the first instance. Over 90% of patients referred to EKHUFT will not require any intervention more than reassurance, advice on jaw exercises and sources of the aetiological factors contributing to their condition. Splint therapy should be provided by primary care dentists if appropriate. The majority of TMJD patients will be discharged back to the referrer.
Sedation services:
Patients who require extractions under sedation should NOT be referred to EKHUFT as we do not provide Oral Surgery sedation services. Any referrals for sedation will be rejected.
Dental extractions:
Referrals for dental extractions, must include a recent radiograph of the teeth required (Dated within 1 year of the referral).
We offer Oral surgery services under local anaesthesia and in certain circumstances, general anaesthesia. Patients accepted for General Anaesthesia must meet NHS England criteria for G.A procedures. Acceptance for general anaesthesia include if the patient:
Has moderate to severe learning disabilities
Has a congenital/ genetic condition reducing co-operation with routine behaviour management techniques
Has severe airway problems best managed under GA
Is ASA classification I, II and III – (NB ASA class III and class IV will need assessment with a Consultant Anaesthetist).
Supporting details to include in referral (should be provided in all cases)
Reasons why the procedure cannot be carried out at the referring GDP’s practice or Tier 2 IMOS provider may include:
behavioural problems
a physical condition, such as a severe gag reflex, and any other complex needs that will influence the management of the patient.
Patients who have been treated with head and neck radiotherapy should be directed to secondary care for any post-radiotherapy dental extractions. However, wherever possible, teeth should be retained wherever possible after radiotherapy.
Patients with osteosynthesis plating in the vicinity of the roots of teeth to be extracted are not suitable for Tier 2 Oral Surgery.
Obesity; Tier 2 Oral Surgery can be provided in primary care up to a weight of 21 stone, the weight limit for most primary care chairs. Some primary care providers have access to bariatric chairs
We cannot accept referrals for GA:
if incomplete or insufficient information is provided i.e. “see and treat”
if sent for financial / economic reasons
if the patient has no special care needs other than dental anxiety
if a GA is requested for social reasons e.g. if the patient cannot provide an escort for intravenous sedation
if the patient has been directly referred by a GDP/GMP
for common medical history problems that are manageable within primary care e.g. warfarinised patients
We accept complexity level 3a and 3b procedures within the department:
Levels of complexity of procedures
Level 1 complexity: Procedures/conditions to be performed or managed by a clinician commensurate with a level of competence as defined by the Curriculum for Dental Foundation Training or its equivalent. This is the minimum that a commissioner would expect to be delivered in a primary care contract.
Level 2 complexity: Procedures/conditions to be performed or managed by a clinician with enhanced skills, and experience who may or may not be on a specialist list. This care may require additional equipment or environment standards but can usually be provided in a primary care setting.
Level 3a complexity: Procedures/conditions to be performed or managed by a clinician recognised as a specialist at the GDC defined criteria and on a specialist list; OR by a consultant.
Level 3b complexity: Procedures/conditions to be performed or managed by a clinician recognised as a consultant in the relevant specialty, who has received additional training which enables them to deliver more complex care, lead MDTs, MCNs and deliver specialist training. The consultant team may include trainees and SAS grades. Oral Surgery to also be delivered by Consultants in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery who have the necessary competencies.
Level 1 procedures/conditions to be managed in Primary care:
Extraction of erupted tooth/teeth including erupted uncomplicated third molars
Effective management, including assessment for referral unerupted, impacted, ectopic and supernumerary teeth
Extraction as appropriate of buried roots (whether fractured during extraction or retained root fragments),
Understanding and assistance in the investigation, diagnosis and effective management of oral mucosal disease
Early referral of patients (using 2-week pathway) with possible pre-malignant or malignant lesions
Management of dental trauma including re-implantation of avulsed tooth/teeth
Management of haemorrhage following tooth/teeth extraction
Diagnosis and treatment of localised odontogenic infections and post-operative surgical complications with appropriate therapeutic agents
Diagnosis and referral patients with major odontogenic infections with the appropriate degree of urgency.
Recognition of disorders in patients with craniofacial pain including initial management of temporomandibular disorders and identification of those patients who require specialised management.
Level 2 procedures/conditions- To be referred to Tier 2 provider:
Surgical removal of uncomplicated third molars involving bone removal
Surgical removal of buried roots and fractured or residual root fragments
Management and surgical removal of uncomplicated ectopic teeth (including supernumerary teeth)
Management and surgical exposure of teeth to include bonding of orthodontic bracket or chain
Surgical endodontics
Minor soft tissue surgery to remove apparent non-suspicious lesions with appropriate histopathological assessment and diagnosis.
Extractions under sedation for patients with dental anxiety
Management of failed extractions in primary care
Level 3 procedures/ conditions- To be referred to our Maxillofacial Department:
Procedures involving soft/hard tissues where there is an increased risk of complications (such as nerve damage, displacement of fragments into the maxillary antrum and fracture of the mandible)
Management and/or treatment of salivary gland disease
Surgical removal of tooth/teeth/root(s) that may involve access into the maxillary antrum
Extractions under G.A (We do not offer sedation services for extractions)
Management of temporomandibular disorders and craniofacial pain that have not responded to initial therapy - primary care GDPs and GPs must follow Royal College of Surgeons 2024 guidelines on management of TMJD with the focus on patient education, non-surgical management, reassurance and analgesia management.
Treatment of cysts
Management of suspicious/non-suspicious oral lesions
Management of Basal Cell Carcinomas
Treatment of complex dentoalveolar injuries
Management of spreading infections and incision of abscesses (or abscess) requiring an extra-oral approach to drain
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, Consultant-led care may be required to manage any of the above. These procedures will be delivered within our team, which may include Specialist Trainees, Associate Specialists in Oral Surgery and Junior dentists grades who have appropriate ability and facilities to provide high quality care for patients under a Consultant-led service.
We also accept patients requiring Oral surgery extractions with the following complex medical history needs:
Complex medical history
Complex medical modifiers, such as:
Haematological disease such as haemophilia, von Willebrand’s Disease, and other inherited coagulation defects
Patients on anticoagulants with unstable INRs which regularly read greater than 4 or in combination with aspirin, those who are heparinised and patients with a history of haemorrhage following tooth extractions.
Patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or antiplatelet medication and with a high risk of bleeding and undergoing procedures with a high risk of increased bleeding
Poorly controlled angina or history of myocardial infarction less than 6 months prior to the referral
Poorly controlled diabetes
Intravenous bisphosphonate administration
Patients with Addison’s disease requiring steroid cover
Psychosocial modifiers, such as:
Patients with severe learning, mental or physical disability
Alcoholic patients
Patient anxiety;
Need for GA, such as:
Particularly complex surgery
Severely dental phobic (consider I.V sedation with Tier 2 provider wherever possible)
Bleeding Risk
Referring dentists should consult the latest guidance on treating patients who are on anticoagulants. The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) Guidelines, supports patient management in primary care for many patients receiving medication that poses a low risk of prolonged bleeding. In these instances, the decision to refer is guided by the procedural complexity.
Some patients are unsuitable for dental management in primary care-Patients who have an INR greater than 4 or who have a very erratic INR should not undergo any ‘high risk’ dental procedure without consultation with the clinician who is responsible for maintaining their anti-coagulation. The anti-coagulant dose may be adjusted prior to the procedure at the discretion of this clinician or elective dental procedures which are at risk of significant bleeding may need to be referred.
The following medical problems may affect coagulation and clotting and are likely to require management in secondary care due to the need for a multi-disciplinary or staged approach:
liver impairment and/or alcoholism
renal failure
Thrombocytopenia (platelet < 150), haemophilia or other disorder of haemostasis
current course of cytotoxic medication/ chemotherapy
Patients with Inherited Bleeding Disorders requiring pre-extraction and post-extraction factor cover/haemostatic management, should have the Haematologist details included in the referral from the primary care dentist. Ideally, the Haematologist should also provide a haemostatic plan with the referral to prevent delays in arranging dental extractions within our Hospital.
Anti-resorptive and Anti-angiogentic Medication
Patients may be prescribed anti-resorptive and anti-angiogentic medication (e.g. bisphosphonates) as prophylaxis and/or treatment for osteoporosis; treatment of Paget’s disease; or as part of some cancer regimens, particularly for metastatic bone cancer and multiple myeloma. These patients may be at risk of Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ). Any decision to refer should be based on the assessed needs of the patient and the current evidence in this field.
Mandibular Third Molar Extractions:
The indications for third molar removal can include:
un-restorable caries
non-treatable pulpal and/or periapical pathology
internal/external resorption of the tooth or adjacent teeth
fracture of tooth
recurrent episodes of pericoronitis (more than 2 episodes managed conservatively before referral)
Caries affecting the adjacent tooth because of an impacted mandibular third molar (not included within the NICE Guidance however referral to EKHUFT is encouraged)
cellulitis, abscess and osteomyelitis
disease of follicle including cysts/tumours
Proximity to the Maxillary antrum
Maxillary teeth may sit close to the maxillary antrum. This should be assessed on a pre-operative radiograph and where the risk of an oro-antral communication is present, referral to oral surgery services may be indicated.
Where a resulting oro-antral communication is likely to be large or where there is a pre-existing communication, referrals should be directed to a Maxillofacial department due to Tier 3 complexity
Surgical Endodontics
Surgical endodontics / apicectomies should only be referred in accordance with the Royal College of Surgeons (England) Faculty of Dental Surgery Guidelines for Surgical Endodontics.
Indications for surgical endodontic procedures include:
Peri-radicular disease in a root-filled tooth, where conventional root canal treatment and re-root canal treatment has already been carried out optimally (no voids in the canal with a good coronal seal restoration)
Peri-radicular disease when it may be detrimental to the retention of the tooth if re-root canal treatment was attempted (large post-core crown with sound crown margins) with the tooth likely to be unrestorable if removed.
Biopsy of periradicular tissue needed
Where visualisation of the periradicular tissues and tooth root is required.
Perforation or root fracture is suspected
The tooth should have optimal periodontal health with no mobility and should be restorable following surgery.
Poor oral hygiene, a high caries rate and untreated periodontal disease elsewhere in the mouth are contra-indications to referral for apicectomies.
Apicectomies will not be provided on molar teeth unless there are exceptional circumstances.
TMJD
Our department follows the current 2024 TMJD guidelines published by Royal College of Surgeons.
Our strict acceptance criteria for TMJD include:
Refractory TMJD- (failed to respond to non-surgical conservative management for 6 months (including advice, self-care management strategies and bite guard made by GDP and worn by the patient for a few months at least).
Limitation or progressive difficulty in mouth opening
Persistent inability to manage a normal diet
Pain or reduced jaw function in patients with known rheumatic joint disease
Recurrent dislocation of TMJ and or associated syndromes (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos)
Patients who do not need management within the Hospital setting will be discharged back to the referring practitioner with advice based on non-invasive management strategies. Referrers are encouraged to seek guidance using 2021 NICE guidelines on TMJD and 2024 Royal College of Surgeons guidelines for TMJD. The key advice is provided below for your reference:
TMJD advice for PRIMARY CARE GPs and Dentists:
Provide reassurance the condition is usually non-progressive, and that symptoms may fluctuate, but should improve.
Educating the patient about the condition, including the nature of the disorder, the significance of predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors, the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint, management options, and therapy goals.
Encouraging self-management to help control symptoms and limit functional impairment. Advise them:
To eat a soft diet and rest the jaw if there is acute pain.
To try to avoid parafunctional activities that may exacerbate symptoms, such as wide yawning, teeth grinding or jaw clenching, chewing gum or pencils/pens, and nail biting, using teeth to open bottles.
Local measures such as applying covered ice or a warm flannel or heat pad, or massaging affected muscles may be helpful.
GPs should advise the patient they must see a primary care dentist — to check dental health or dental pathology, or for consideration of an intra-oral device (an occlusal splint).
GPs and Dentists - to assess patient’s stress levels and provide advice on stress management in helping manage TMJD.
Primary care Dentists - provide the patient with a lower bilaminate splint or soft bite raising appliance (ensure all posterior teeth are covered with the splint to avoid over-eruption of teeth).
GPs and Dentists - Consider prescribing:
Simple analgesia for short-term use, such as paracetamol or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
GPs can consider prescribing additional drug treatment if appropriate:
A short course of a low-dose benzodiazepine such as diazepam 2 mg up to three times daily, for a maximum of 2 weeks if symptoms are acute and severe.
A trial of amitriptyline or gabapentin for people with chronic pain
Manage comorbidities:
Try to identify sources of stress, and give advice on relaxation techniques, setting realistic targets, pacing activities, and getting social support where available. Manage any depression
Understand that certain SSRI anti-depressants can cause parafunctional behaviour and initial clenching and grinding for patients - consider alternative anti-depressant medication which do not initiate these side effects.
Give advice on sleep hygiene.
Provide sources of information and advice, such as:
The NHS patient information leaflet Temporomandibular disorder.
The British Association of Oral Surgeons leaflet Temporomandibular (jaw) joint problems.
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust patient information leaflets on TMJD and jaw joint exercises
Consider referral to additional specialists if appropriate, for example:
Psychology services — for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), if there is marked psychological distress associated with symptoms, or to help with pain-related anxiety.
Physiotherapy — for advice on passive jaw stretching exercises, posture training, and massage or acupuncture to help relax muscle spasm, if available.
Referrals from local dentists and/or medical professionals are accepted via Vantage Rego.
Once the patient is accepted for a new patient consultation via the triage process, they will undergo a full and comprehensive restorative assessment at William Harvey Hospital, this may include further radiographs (if needed), and a comprehensive treatment plan.
All patients undergoing treatment within the Restorative department will be seen either at William Harvey Hospital or at Kent and Canterbury Hospital depending on what condition the patient has and who they need to see for treatment. Following the consultation appointment, a detailed report and treatment plan will be sent back to the referring clinician (and a copy to the patient). We may accept the patient for a course of treatment within the department. This treatment will be carried out by a Restorative Consultant or a member of their team working under the Consultant’s supervision. We expect patients to continue to see their local dentist for routine dental check-ups during their care within our department. This is based on the NHS shared cared model of patient care.
Please note; we cannot accept patients for treatment until all primary dental disease (caries and periodontal disease) has been stabilized. For Periodontal referrals, we can only accept referrals after the Primary care Dentist has completed 2 courses of non-surgical periodontal treatment under local anaesthesia (for all pockets ≥ 4mm) and the patient has good oral hygiene with plaque scores < 20%.
Restorative dentistry referral criteria
Please see below guidance for referring dental practitioners on Restorative complexity case acceptance at William Harvey Hospital.
Complex Periodontal acceptance criteria
Periodontitis, Stage III/ IV or Grade C - after you have completed 2 courses of non-surgical periodontal therapy (with local anaesthetic for all pockets ≥ 4mm) and the patient has good oral hygiene with plaque scores < 20%
Infrabony/Vertical defects
Recession defects
Periodontal surgical management
Crown lengthening surgery
Peri-implant disease advice only.
Complex Endodontic acceptance criteria
Dental trauma
Open apices
Separated instrument cases
Perforation management
Single/ Multiple root canals with curvature > 40°
Sclerosed canals
Peri-radicular surgery
Resorption cases.
Complex Prosthodontic acceptance criteria
Severe tooth surface loss requiring full mouth rehabilitation or increase in occlusal vertical dimension
Extra-coronal restorations requiring significant changes to occlusal vertical dimension
Implant supported restoration
Removable prosthesis (after the local dental practitioner has made 1 new/ or set of dentures within the last 1 year)
Prosthesis involving sectional dentures
Oro-facial defects requiring obturation.
GP referrals and outpatient clinics
The demand for appointments in Neurology Outpatients is very high. It is essential that waiting times are kept to a minimum to ensure patients with serious neurological illnesses receive timely assessment and management. Patients with some conditions may be better served by other specialities or be adequately managed in primary care. For these reasons please refer according to the guidelines below.
Please be reminded that only referrals made by general practitioners, through E- referral service will be accepted.
Download our guidelines for acceptance criteriaAcute Neurology Ward
Please note this is for referrals relating to Acute Neurology ward (Mount) & East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) Wards only.
All acute neurology referrals and repatriation of patients from King’s to Neurology at East Kent Hospitals must be addressed to the generic East Kent Neurological Unit (Treble Ward) Please send to: ekhuft.acuteneurologyreferrals@nhs.net.
They must be accompanied by a completed referral form.
Download the acute neurology ward referral formRepatriation to East Kent Neurological Unit is dependent upon acceptance by the Neurology Team.
Where a patient is accepted the Bed Manager for East Kent Hospitals will be aware as they are on the generic email list.
The generic email list regarding Repatriation includes all Neurology staff concerned with East Kent Neurological Unit, the Bed Manager at Kent & Canterbury hospital and the Neuroscience Bed Managers at King’s College Hospital and the particular referring Doctor in any case will be added to the list in relation to that case.
If rejected and referral to East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) is suggested, please refer as per process below.
If Rejected and referral to Medicine is suggested than the referring doctor should contact the medical registrar on call at either acute site QEQM Margate or WHH Ashford please ask through switchboard Phone: 01227 766877 (switchboard).
Refer to East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU)
All Neuro-rehabilitation referrals and repatriation of patients from King’s to The East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) should send their completed EKNRU Referral forms to ekhuft.eknrureferrals@nhs.net for review by the MDT.
The East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) is at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital with 19 dedicated neurorehab beds. More information about the Unit and its service can be found in the Neurorehabilitation Unit patient leaflet.
If you need to discuss your referral with a member of the clinical team please contact the ward on Phone: 01227 868713
If Rejected and referral to Medicine is suggested than the referring doctor should contact the medical registrar on call at either acute site QEQM Margate or WHH Ashford please ask through switchboard Phone: 01227 766877 (switchboard)
Please fill in the form below for referrals to EKNRU and send to ekhuft.eknrureferrals@nhs.net
Download the neurorehabilitation unit referral formAddress: Harvey Ward, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG
First seizure referral
Referring from anywhere within the trust for patients who present with a first seizure or suspicion of a first seizure. This is a referral form for first seizure only. Referrals for other neurological indications will not be accepted through this pathway.
Download the first seizure referral formRefer for motor neurone disease
Referrals to the team can be made by:
Person with M.N.D, family/relative or carer(s)
Consultant Neurologist (specialist in diseases of the nervous system)
GP
Other professionals involved in persons care.
Referrals can be made via letter, provided the person with MND is aware of and has a definite diagnosis.
Referrals should be made to:
Dr Moran, Consultant Neurologist
Cheryl Wright, Secretary to Dr Moran, telephone: 01227 868716
Christine Batts, MND Nurse Specialist, telephone: 07771 841690 (mobile)
Amelia Roberts, MND Specialist Nurse, telephone: 07768 272516
Kay Shaw, Secretary to MND nurse specialist, telephone: 01227 868093
Working hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8.30am to 2.30pm.
Tower Neuro Rehab Unit
Kent and Canterbury Hospital,
Ethelbert Road,
Canterbury,
Kent,
CT1 3NG
For referrals to the Radiological Science departments within our Trust, referrers include:
Registered medical and dental practitioners employed by EKHUFT
Registered healthcare professionals from EKHUFT and Community Health referring under agreed protocols
General Practitioners
Nurse practitioners and other registered healthcare professionals referring to EKHUFT under agreed protocol
Registered dental practitioners referring from the Community Dental Service and private practice
Registered medical and dental practitioners not employed by EKHUFT, referring from other NHS Trusts or private hospitals.
If you wish to refer a patient to the EKHUFT for an X-ray or Nuclear Medicine examination, then you need to follow the recommended referral guidelines. This is important to ensure that your request is appropriate and justifiable, and hence that delays for your patient can be avoided. For registered healthcare professionals other than General Practitioners, it is also important for there to be an agreement with EKHUFT that entitles you to refer. If you work within a GP practice, then this agreement should be set up through your practice.
Key referral criteria
Login to iRefer, username (case sensitive): EastKent-2018 / Password (case sensitive): EastKentXray1.
For advice on setting up an agreement to refer for registered healthcare professionals, other than medical or dental practitioners, or regarding referral guidelines please contact:
Deputy General Manager, Radiological Sciences on 01227 864266 or via switchboard 01227 766877.
Please complete our referral form below and email it to ekhuft.mrcreferral@nhs.net
Download our Major Revision Centre Knee Service referral formClinical responsibility for vascular services in east Kent, Medway and Maidstone areas is with the Kent and Medway Vascular Network, provided by East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT).
Acute referrals
Patients requiring inpatient vascular treatment in the Medway, Maidstone and east Kent areas will be treated at Kent and Canterbury Hospital (EKHUFT).
Complex cases, especially thoracic aortic emergencies, will be treated at St Thomas’ in London (Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust).
Day surgery is provided at both Medway Maritime and Kent and Canterbury hospitals.
Patients access vascular outpatient clinics and diagnostic tests at their local hospitals in Medway, Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury and Margate.
Download the referral pathway for vascular surgeryEmergency referrals
Discuss with East Kent Vascular Surgery Registrar on 07974 612680
Ruptured or symptomatic AAA
Acute limb ischaemia
Critically unwell vascular patients / bleeding.
Discuss with St Thomas’ Vascular Surgery Registrar on 07717 513348
Aortic dissection / thoracic aortic problems.
Urgent referrals: require urgent inpatient review or follow up
Discuss with Vascular Surgery Registrar on 07974 612680
Severe diabetic foot infection
Critical limb ischaemia with sepsis
Stroke/TIA for carotid endarterectomy
Upper limb and iliofemoral DVT
Digital ischaemia.
Semi-urgent: may require inpatient review or outpatient follow up
Use Careflow app to discuss with Vascular SpR on call
Chronic critical limb ischaemia
Incidental AAA
Acute uncomplicated DVT.
Non-urgent: require outpatient appointment / follow up
Refer to: ekh-tr.vascular-kch@nhs.net
Claudication
Asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Leg ulcers (venous / non-arterial / diabetic)
Symptomatic varicose veins.
Primary care referrals
All new primary care referrals for vascular services for patients in Medway, Maidstone and east Kent are to be made to East Kent Hospitals and will be managed by the Kent and Medway Vascular Network.
If you are a GP in Medway, east Kent or the Maidstone area of west Kent please select EKHUFT on the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) when referring patients to vascular services, and not a London hospital.
Contact details
Kent and Medway Network vascular team: 01227 868686
Kent and Canterbury Hospital switchboard: 01227 766877 (for named consultant)