Important: Changes to Paediatric 2WW Referrals

We have updated the names of the x2 Paediatric services we have available, via Consultant Connect, to ensure that it is clear to clinicians when to call each option. Please see the below naming conventions and purposes of each line:

Paediatrics – Suspected Childhood Cancer (2WW)

For all suspected childhood cancer cases. If a patient has amber or red symptoms (as per the CCLG guidance) then call this option. If the referral is accepted by the Paediatric Consultant on call, then you will have to request an appointment via the Consultant Connect App or dashboard.

To find out how to access this service, then please reference this user guide or watch the below video.

Paediatrics – Urgent (Non-2WW)

If clinicians wish to discuss a case that they feel needs to be seen quickly to avoid admission or attendance in CED then call this option.

You should continue using online Advice and Guidance (eRS) for all non-urgent requests for advice.

Please be aware making a direct phone call via Consultant Connect is your new pathway for all Paediatrics 2WW referrals.

The service is provided by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and is available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

The reasons for this change are detailed below:

• Evidence suggests the current ‘2-week wait’ written pathway is not effective for children.
• Very few referred children are ultimately diagnosed with cancer via this pathway, and over 95% of children with cancer reach the oncology service through different routes.
• The new Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) guidelines recommend that a direct telephone discussion with an acute paediatrician should be made where cancer is strongly suspected, to discuss the patient case and if a 2WW referral is required.
• NICE have endorsed the new CCLG guidelines, confirming that they accurately reflect recommendations in the corresponding NICE guidance.
• Symptoms and signs which require referral have been suggested below taken from the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) guidance. Please note the full table of symptoms can also be referenced at the end of this document.

We encourage you to download, print and share the user guide with colleagues (an image of the guide is shown above).