A new national pathway helping clinicians in England to better diagnose and care for patients with suspected cauda equina syndrome (CES) is now available from NHS England’s Getting it Right First Time team (GIRFT).
The GIRFT programme lead by spinal surgeon Mike Hutton, worked collaboratively with a multidisciplinary group of more than 60 healthcare professionals to develop the interactive pathway designed to support clinicians to diagnose and treat the condition without delay. It offers best practice along all stages of the patient pathway, from presentation to GP or in the community to presentation at hospital and diagnosis, to surgery and through to post-operative care.
The pathway is co-badged by 11 professional bodies and patient groups, including Cauda Equina Champions Charity.
“From our grass roots organisation we have campaigned hard to make sure the NHS addressed the lack of pathways for cauda equina patients. They had been left to struggle on alone, unsupported and with lack of referrals to appropriate services and care for too long.
We are extremely proud to have contributed to the MSK Collaborative, giving CES patients a voice in the development of this pathway.
We believe the pathway once implemented nationally with improve diagnosis and outcomes for CES patients nationally, standardising management across the NHS.” – Champions Charity.
We are indebted to Mike Hutton and his team for getting this pathway across the finish line, the enormity of this task cannot be underestimated.
Thank you on behalf of our members everywhere.