Safety recommendation
It is recommended that the NHS England/Improvement ‘Getting It Right First Time’ (GIRFT) programme ensures that testicular torsion/acute testicular pain is included on the checklist of emergency pathways to be considered by the newly established Urology Area Networks across England.
Response:
GIRFT has now published a follow-up public document to its Getting It Right First Time in Urology National Report. This can be found at www.gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/good-practice-handbooks/.
This document offers a number of good examples to trusts wishing to improve different elements of their urological services. One of the key ways in which they can do this is through the establishment and effective management of a ‘Urological Area Network’ (UAN), whereby several geographically contiguous trusts work together to provide higher quality services.
This document provides guidelines for setting up and managing a UAN, including suggested UAN service specifications which should consider: ‘A specific description of arrangements for managing patients with testicular torsion. Such provision should cover all age groups and ensure that surgical exploration of the scrotum can be performed with no inappropriate delays.’
Combined with our ongoing work with trusts and with NHS commissioners, GIRFT is working to ensure that all UANs have a clear pathway for testicular torsion/acute testicular pain.
Response received on 23 December 2019.