NHS Hospitals - FAQ

NHS Hospitals seeking to outsource elective activity can be assured of a definitive patient pathway and one that is managed within nationally agreed targets. Your patients will be seen in a consultant led service and within an NHS unit. Patients can be seen from first outpatient appointment or once listed for elective surgery. Pre-assessment services are an integral part of the pathway. Our administrative team will work closely with your waiting list manager to organise the flow of patients and manage the information requirements. The activity remains that of the referring organisation and with that lays the responsibility for the reporting requirements.

FAQs

1. If an Acute Hospital Trust transfers patients over to the care of Tyneside Surgical Services does it remain the Trusts activity?

Yes, unless otherwise agreed. 

2. Is there an option for Acute Trusts to transfer the surgical element of the pathway to TSS and allow the patients to be seen as a follow up back at the primary hospital?

Yes, follow up care can be transferred back if this is the clinician's base hospital.

3. Can patients already listed for surgery continue their care with the same Consultant?

Yes, if the Consultant is registered with TSS and he has been approved by the Medical Advisory Committee.

4. Do TSS manage the whole administrative process for the patients under their care?

Yes, this is from receipt of referral to discharge.

5. Do TSS work within the national tariff?

Yes, PbR rules apply.

6.  Do TSS provide commissioners with patient information?

Yes, we provide weekly shared data so that the patient's progress along the pathway can be tracked. Patient correspondence is provided and copied into the notes of the referring organisation. GP's receive timely information from the whole patient episode.

7. Do TSS offer both day case and inpatient episodes?

Yes, patients are treated at the North East NHS Surgery Centre. The admission arrangements will be discussed at the outpatient consultation and will be in line with standard practice for the procedure.

8. Can we be confident that the clinicians have the appropriate skills to take over the care of our patients?

The clinicians have to go through a process of practice privileges and be approved by the Medical Advisory Committee.