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I feel that the introduction of TRAQ into the system is a re...

Posted By Click724

"I feel that the introduction of TRAQ into the system is a retrograde step"

About: Telford referral and quality service (TRAQS)

(as the patient),

I was seen by respiratory nurse after referral by GP. She later told me that the consultant she reported to couldn't see me in clinic + that a further referral with him will be required. There seemed to be a lot of delay in communication between the nurse and GP. When the referral was eventually made it was done the through TRAQ which frankly I did not know anything about. When I was contacted by TRAQ many weeks had gone by.

I feel that the introduction of TRAQ into the system is a retrograde step + a needless introduction and yet another layer in the NHS where it is already top heavy. In my view this certainly is not a recipe for efficient patient care.

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Responses

Response from Helen Handy, TRAQS & CAB Co-Ordinator, Telford and Wrekin CCG 9 years ago
Helen Handy
TRAQS & CAB Co-Ordinator,
Telford and Wrekin CCG

Submitted on 21/08/2014 at 17:27
Published on Care Opinion on 22/08/2014 at 12:08

Dear Click724

Thank you for sharing your concerns with the TRAQS team.

I am sorry to hear that your referral appears to have been delayed between the Respiratory nurse and your GP or that you were not informed of the existence of the TRAQS team and our role in the referral process.All GP oractices have a supply of patient leaflets which explain the role of TRAQS and what happens once a patient is referred via the TRAQS Service. This information ensures that when TRAQS contact the patient they do not worry and think it is a 'cold call'.

TRAQS was developed over 2 years ago at the request of the local GPs to support Patient Choice which is every patient's legal right under the NHS Patient's Charter. Prior to TRAQS not all GPs were offering Choice to patients and consequently patients did not have the opportunity to be seen sooner elsewhere.

TRAQS cannot process a referral until the GP practice have passed the information to the team. Once TRAQS receives the referral we have 1 working day to process an urgent referral and 5 working days to process a routine referral.A member of the team will them attempt to contact the patient to discuss the Choices available depending upon the information the GP has provided in the referral letter.

I am sure you appreciate that TRAQS has no influence or control over the delay you experienced between the respiratory nurse and the GP. I am sure that the Practice Manager would appreciate being informed of your concerns and would be happy to help you find out what went wrong.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide the TRAQS team with some feedback.

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