Currently we are developing our community care service and, from 1 April 2009, we have extended our catchment area to include the area of Surrey previously covered by Marie Curie Community Hospice at Caterham.

How do I make a referral?
Please continue to use the SWSH network referral form (pdf and word versions available), accompanied by copies of relevant correspondence.  Copies of the form are also available from the Clinical Administration team.  Please fax the form and information to 01293 447390.  If your referral is urgent, please telephone the team as well as faxing the referral. 

What happens next?
Referrals are discussed by the multi-professional team at the daily Community Care meeting (Monday to Friday am). In order to fully assess the referral we will sometimes ring you back for further information or clarification of the patient and family's current problems.  We may also contact the GP surgery to clarify any missing information.

If the referral contains the required information and is for support in the community then the referral is passed onto the Community Care team who cover your area.  It is the responsibility of the locality team, either one of the nurses or doctor as appropriate, to make contact with the patient and family within 2 working days.  This contact will generally be made by phone.  An appropriate time to meet up with the patient and family will then be arranged.   Urgent referrals are prioritised and contact will be made with the patient and family on the same working day.

What about referrals for admission to the In-patient Unit?
If you are referring directly for admission, then we will discuss this on a daily basis (Monday to Friday). One of the team will then make contact with the referrer to offer an admission as appropriate.  If you are seeking an urgent admission (within 48 hours), please contact us to discuss. span>