Urgent Suspected Cancer: referral forms

For a list of hospitals within London taking urgent suspected cancer referrals, please click here (Please note, the list is divided by cancer specialty).

The pan-London Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC) referral forms (previously known as Two Week Wait referrals) were last updated in January 2023, working with our IT development partner DXS.

A video on how to make a good quality referral will be available here in due course.

GPs, dentists and optometrists in all London boroughs are advised to use the pan-London USC referral forms when referring patients with a suspected cancer, as they contain the updated guidelines from NICE published in 2015 (NG12) as well as additional tumour-specific referral criteria and deviations which have been agreed for the London area.

While guidelines assist the practice of healthcare professionals, they do not replace their knowledge, skills or clinical judgement. NG12 also supports clinicians to refer patients appropriately where cancer is suspected even if the patient does not meet NG12/Pan-London referral criteria.

Referrers should include as much clinical and patient sensitive information as possible to enable swift triage and processing.

Useful information

Below you can find educational information, links and data that you may find useful.

Electronic Referral System (e-RS)

The Electronic Referral System (e-RS), formally known as choose and book, is the preferred booking method for suspected cancer referrals. A national standard set by NHS England states that by October 2018 all first consultant led appointments (including 2ww) should be booked via e-RS. The e-RS improves reliability and patient safety which is consistent with good practice, as well as improving patient experience. If e-RS is not available then referrer should email the referral form to the provider using the directory at the top of each referral form.

USC e-referral primary care user guide (2018)

Queries and support

If you have any questions regarding the referral forms or associated educational information please email: england.tcstlondon@nhs.net