Lung Optimal Pathway Referral
Date issued: February 2025
For review: February 2027
Ref: A-371/SS/Oncology/Lung optimal pathway referral v5
PDF Lung optimal pathway referral.pdf [pdf] 175KB
You have been referred for a chest X-ray on the Derriford National Optimal Lung Cancer Care Pathway. Whilst this does not mean that you have lung cancer, the symptoms and history you have reported to your GP are suspicious enough to warrant “fast tracking”.
Please note: If you have already had a chest x-ray performed in the past six weeks, you do not need another chest x-ray unless instructed. Please call the Navigator on 01752 438317.
This will involve:
1. A chest X-ray (between 9am and 12-noon Monday to Friday) in X-Ray West, Level 6, Derriford Hospital. You are encouraged to have your chest x-ray as soon as possible, ideally the next morning after you have been referred by your GP.
2. These are open access chest X-ray slots created to avoid delays. This means that you do not need an appointment, but you do need to arrive between these times only. If you arrive after this time, there will not be an available slot, and we will ask you to return the following morning.
When you arrive at the X-Ray West Department, level 6. You will need to confirm your contact details so we can let you know when your CT scan appointment is. You may have a CT scan that afternoon depending on availability.
When you are booked for your CT scan the pathway navigator or CT booking clerk will explain the next steps and give you any further Information you need. The navigator will ask you to remain nil by mouth of food 4 hrs before the CT and to drink at least 1pint of clear fluids leading up to the CT. They will also ask you to attend for a blood test if you are a diabetic or have any kidney problems.
3. When you attend X-Ray West for your CT scan, you will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before your slotted time. In most cases a cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm so that an injection (dye) can be given to enhance the CT images. You may be asked to get changed depending on what you are wearing. Avoid wearing any jewellery (especially necklaces) to the appointment, as you will be asked to remove them. The CT scan itself will last about 20mins.
4. You will be able to go home after the CT scan once the cannula has been removed.
You will receive a phone call within a few days post CT with a decision on whether you need an appointment in the Chest Clinic. At this point you may be asked to follow specific instructions for further investigations to also take place on that day.
In some instances, this process may take all day
Lung Pathway Navigator: 01752 438317 / 07827271167
