Referral address
All referrals should be directed in the first instance to clinical genetics for triage.
We accept written referrals from GPs, specialist nurses, midwives and non-genetic medical colleagues. Referrals from GPs take around 8 weeks, others as per NHS guidelines.
The south east Thames regional genetics centre sees patients from London, Surrey, east Sussex and east and west Kent. Before referring, please check that your patient falls within our area| (PDF 32Kb). If you are uncertain, contact us or visit the BSGM website| to find your regional genetics centre|.
We accept referrals from outside our area on the basis of patient choice. This must be stated in writing by the referrer on NHS headed paper. However, as patients will often require follow-up, a referral to the appropriate regional clinic| is encouraged.
Please tell your patient that they have been referred to us. Most clinics are held Monday to Friday at Guy's.
If the patient cannot attend for any reason, they may call or email us to rearrange. However, rearranging an appointment may limit our ability to offer an urgent, local or specialist clinic appointment.
Forms
Referrals can be made by letter, with summary of history and relevant reports.
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Routine referrals
Please include in your referral:
We will see patients referred by their GPs within 8 weeks.
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Urgent referrals
Please call the duty clinician on 020 7188 1364 to discuss the referral, then fax an urgent referral form (PDF 68Kb) to 020 7407 1564. Include details of the affected individual and their relationship to your patient.
We can offer patients who need an urgent referral an appointment within 1 week.
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Why refer?
Hereditary diseases are often rare and affected families require specialist advice and services. We offer urgent and routine consultations, as well as longer term follow-up. Consultant geneticists and genetic counsellors work with a variety of medical specialties to provide joint clinics and seamless specialist services where possible.
As increased knowledge about genetics, genomics and personalised medicine reaches the clinical realm, our clinicians and scientists provide families with accurate and up-to-date information with support at the most appropriate times. We are a pro-active, culturally sensitive and family-centred service.
Genetic counselling is a specific skill associated with a code of ethics and may be provided by both specialist and non-genetic colleagues where indicated.
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Who to refer
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Pregnant women who are affected, or who have a family history of an inherited condition.
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Pregnant women seen before, who wish to review their screening and testing options. We liaise with the fetal medicine unit at St Thomas' and the relevant laboratories to minimise delays to patient care.
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Children or adults with a genetic or chromosomal diagnosis.
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Children with congenital anomalies and developmental delay; some tests may be arranged beforehand on discussion with the duty consultant or SpR.
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Anyone with a genetic condition or family history who is seeking updated information, particularly before starting their family.
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Individuals who have a personal or a strong family history of cancer, especially when the diagnosis is under age 50, bilateral, or includes rare clusters (breast/ovarian; colorectal/ovarian/uterine/GI).
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When to refer
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Consider referral to a regional genetics clinic at the time of diagnosis and at relevant times thereafter.
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Refer as early as possible in pregnancy, preferably pre-conception.
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Relatives may be referred to discuss future health and reproductive choices.
Cancer referrals
See our cancer referrals page|.
Sending samples to our laboratories
See more information about sending samples for genetic testing| and which laboratory you need to send samples to: