Vague Symptom Pathway (VSP) Fast-track clinic at Rapid Diagnosis Centre

The vague symptom pathway (VSP) is a fast-track clinic that GPs can refer patients to for investigations to rule out cancer. Before you attend your GP will arrange for some blood tests to be taken so that when you come to the clinic, the VSP team have enough information to make a thorough assessment.

This pathway is new in Northern Ireland and means that patients with vague symptoms have tests to be carried out as quickly as possible to find out what is causing your symptoms and get you the treatment you may need.  It is available through two Rapid Diagnosis Centres, one in Whiteabbey Hospital and the other in South Tyrone Hospital.

Who can refer to the Vague Symptom Pathway?

Your GP can refer you directly to the clinic if they think you meet the criteria.

Vague symptoms may include:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Persistent nausea / appetite loss
• New atypical pain e.g. abdominal/bone pain
• Unexplained lab findings e.g. anaemia, hypercalcemia, thrombocytosis
• GP ‘gut feeling’ of serious illness LIKELY to be due to cancer

The VSP will not be accessible if you already have a cancer diagnosis or are currently being investigated for these symptoms on another Red Flag (suspected cancer) pathway.

We are currently rolling this service out across GP Federations and it will be available to all practices by the end of March 2024.

What happens once my GP refers me to the VSP?

Once you have been referred to the clinic, a member of the Rapid Diagnosis Centre (RDC) team will call you within five working days. This telephone call may appear as an unknown number so please don’t ignore it. It is also important that your GP has your most up-to-date contact information to include in the referral.

The team will go through your medical history and ask questions about your existing symptoms and general wellbeing. This will ensure you receive the best possible care and support.

During this call, you should receive the name and contact details of the nurse who will support you throughout your time at the RDC. This individual will be able to answer any questions or queries you and your family may have and will keep you informed about next steps. You will be offered the next available appointment to attend the RDC.  If all appointments in Whiteabbey are filled you may be offered an appointment in South Tyrone to ensure you are seen quickly.

What happens on the day I attend the Rapid Diagnosis Centre?

On arrival to the clinic a member of the nursing team will check your details and conduct some general observations such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, temperature, weight and height. If you have a urine sample this will also be checked for signs of infection.

A senior doctor will chat through the symptoms you have been having and complete a brief non-invasive examination. A member of the radiography team will then escort you a short distance to have a CT scan if required. A contrast (dye) may be injected intravenously to allow the Radiologist to visualise the internal organs clearly.

If you are having a scan it should take no more than 10-15minutes.

How long will the appointment take?

Most clinic appointments last between 45minutes to 1.5 hours. Please make sure you consider this when making arrangements to attend the clinic.

What happens after my Vague Symptom Pathway appointment?

On the same day you attend the clinic, your CT scan results, observations and examinations conducted at the clinic will be evaluated and discussed by the multidisciplinary team that includes the RDC doctor, senior nurse and a radiologist. The nurse will arrange a convenient time to call you after this meeting to advise you of your results. This will include diagnosis and information on any further investigations that may be required. The nurse will also tell you if you are going to be referred onto another clinical team for investigations or treatment. You will also be given a contact telephone number so that you can speak to the nurse lead after the call if you have any questions or concerns.

We have produced videos to explain what to expect at your appointment.

Vague Symptom Pathway Clinic at Whiteabbey Hospital

Vague Symptom Pathway Clinic at South Tyrone Hospital