Non-specific symptoms pathway

The Non-Specific Symptoms (NSS) pathway is a service that has been set up to investigate patients with symptoms that do not clearly point to an obvious cause. For example pain, weight loss or fatigue that may be due to a number of conditions including cancer. This pathway provides access to urgent investigations and assessment.

For the vast majority of patients, the results will NOT show signs of cancer or a serious condition, but it is important that we quickly identify any conditions that could need prompt treatment. This specialist rapid diagnostic service (RDS) allows us to manage and investigate your symptoms quickly.

What are non-specific symptoms?

Your GP will assess any symptoms you may have and if concerned they may refer you to the hospital for assessment. Symptoms may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Vague abdominal or back pain
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Unexplained Worsening of breathlessness

What happens next?

Before referral your GP will arrange a range of tests including blood tests, urine, stool tests and a chest X-Ray. Once completed your GP may then refer you to the hospital.

Once your referral has been made to the NSS team, you will be contacted by the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to carry out a telephone assessment. Following your assessment, the CNS will discuss with you what happens next. This is likely to be one of the following:

• Need for further tests such as a CT-scan
• To be seen face to face by our team
• Referral to your GP or a specialist service if your symptoms are suggestive of a particular health condition and not suitable for this general clinic

During your telephone assessment with the CNS, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your on-going management.

Non-specific symptom pathway Team:

Lead Clinician Lead

Dr Saoirse Dolly

Clinical Nurse Specialist 

Lisa Smith

Pathway Coordinator

Reena Rajan

Contact us

The non-specific symptom (NSS) team 

Community Diagnostic Centre 

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 

Holtye Rd, East Grinstead RH19 3DZ

T:  01342 414438

E: qvh.nss-surreyandsussex@nhs.net

Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

Patient information leaflet

Useful links:

Stress:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/understanding-stress

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress

Sleep:

https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/advice-support/sleep-advice/sleep-hygiene/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/how-to-get-to-sleep

 Healthy Eating:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/

https://www.bapen.org.uk/education/nutrition-support/nutrition-by-mouth/food-first-food-enrichment/

 Fatigue/Tiredness:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/self-help-tips-to-fight-fatigue

Benefits of Exercise:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/exercise-to-help-chronic-fatigue.aspx

Smoking:

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/

FREE Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044

 Alcohol:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/how-to-reduce-your-drinking/how-to-cut-down/

Physiotherapy:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/physiotherapy/accessing/

https://physioselfrefer.co.uk/            

Community Support:

Mental Health Resources– GP or Self-referrals

 IAPT – Adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

 Sussex: https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/our-services/community-based-services/talking-therapies

Surrey: https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health/mind-matters-surrey/mind-matters

MIND – Mental Health Information and Support

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/

NHS Screening programmes:

Aortic anuerysm screening

Men aged 65 and above can refer themselves for screening to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta).

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening/

Bowel cancer screening

Type 1 – Home Test: men and women aged 60 to 74

Type 2 – Scope Test: uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end to look at the large bowel. It is offered to men and women at the age of 55 in some parts of England

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/screening/

Breast screening

50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-screeningmammogram/

Cervical screening

Women aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

Prostate screening

Prostate: Men aged 50 or over can decide to have a blood test (PSA). Discuss it with your GP and they can arrange for it to be carried out free on the NHS. Especially those at higher risk of developing prostate cancer eg Afro-Caribbean men and men who have a family history of prostate cancer.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psa-test/

Targeted Lung Health Check

People aged 55 to 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past can refer themselves for a CT scan of the chest.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-health-checks/