Rapid Access Service (Orchid Centre)

 Rapid-Access-Waiting-Area

Figure 1: The reception area of the Orchid Centre at CUH

WHAT IS RAPID ACCESS

Rapid Access provides quick access to assessment of concerning symptoms related to the Breast, Lung, Prostate, and Colorectal areas.

 

HOW DO I ACCESS THE RAPID ACCESS SERVICE

You need a referral from your GP to access this service. Your referral will be triaged by a Consultant and they decide if you need to be seen at an appointment or sent for a scan.

 

HOW CAN RAPID ACCESS HELP ME

Patients who visit our Rapid Access Service can receive:

  • Assessment by a Specialist Consultant
  • Blood Testing
  • Specialist radiology (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans)
  • Tissue sampling 

Where required, onward referral may be made for surgery or other treatments.

 

WHO ARE THE TEAM

Our Rapid Access Service is led by Specialist Consultants, and also provides access to Advanced Nurse Practitioners & Clinical Nurse Specialists.

 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I ARRIVE

The Rapid Access Service is based in the Orchid Centre. Please present at reception where a member of staff will check you in and update your personal details on our system.

The receptionist will then guide you to the appropriate waiting area. 

A nurse may call you for any medical checks required before meeting with the Consultant. 

During your appointment, the Consultant will tell you what your next steps are. These may include:

  • referral for imaging/tissue sampling (available on the same day)
  • further imaging or appointments you may need at a later date
  • or if you are being discharged back to your GP 

Before you leave, please check back with the receptionist to follow up on any future appointments. 

 

HOW DO I CONTACT THE TEAM

For appointment queries you can contact Reception at 021 4922000 or use the contact information provided in your appointment letter.  

At your appointment you will be given any contact numbers that you may need. For example, a contact number for a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

 

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

The Rapid Access Service is very busy, but every effort will be made to get you seen as close to your appointment time as possible. Please allow yourself plenty of time to attend on the day.