Friarage Hospital Northallerton
What is a Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC)?
It is a service which will investigate the cause of your symptoms by performing a number of tests. It has been set up to support faster diagnosis so that any treatment can begin quickly.
As part of your referral, your doctor or practice nurse will arrange a number of blood tests and a test that looks for the presence of blood in your poo (called a FIT test).
Why have I been referred to the RDC?
You have been referred urgently to the service because your doctor feels you need further investigations to try and find out why you are feeling unwell.
Your symptoms could be linked to many common conditions, including cancer, and you will be seen quickly to find out what may be the cause.
This. is important as there is evidence that early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses.
Does this referral mean I have cancer?
No. Not everyone who is referred to our service is diagnosed with cancer.
Only around 10 to 15% of patients are found to have cancer. For most people, the tests may show a different condition.
If this is the case, the team will offer you advice, or refer you to another specialist service.
What happens next?
You will be contacted by a member of our team within two weeks of referral to further discuss your symptoms.
They will talk to you, review the results of your tests with you and decide if you need a scan before you come to clinic. If appropriate, an appointment will also be arranged for the clinic.
Our clinic appointments are usually face to face but sometimes it may be over the telephone. You can bring a relative, or friend, to your clinic appointment.
The clinic is in Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, DL6 1JG and we have a weekly clinic in Guisborough Primary Care Hospital, Guisborough, TS14 6HW.
What will happen at my RDC clinic appointment?
You will be seen by a doctor or a senior nurse and they will take a clinical history and examine you. Further tests may be needed and, if you have not had a scan, one may be arranged after your clinic appointment.
Your results will be discussed with you at your clinic appointment, or over the telephone.
What happens after your RDC clinic appointment?
Once your test results have been received and reviewed at the multi-disciplinary meeting, you will be contacted by one of the team.
- If you are diagnosed with cancer, a specialist cancer team will take over your care.
- If not, and depending on your results, you may be referred to another clinical team within the hospital, or back to your GP, for onward care.
Additional information
If you have any questions or are worried while you are under the care of our service, please contact us on:
Telephone: 01609 763338
The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am until 4:00pm.
Email: [email protected]
| You may find it helpful to make a note of your appointment dates and, or information given to you here: – |
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]