SPoA

The new Integrated Community Gynaecology Service Single Point of Access (ICGS SPoA) went live on 1st April 2026. This enables our local GP Practices to send all Gynaecology Advice & Guidance (A&G) requests and referral letters (excluding 2WW) through a single digital entry point at specialty level in West Hertfordshire.

From a GP perspective, referrals continue to be made in the same way as previously. Where patients present with gynaecological symptoms that cannot be managed within general practice, and advice or referral is required, referrals (excluding 2WW) should be submitted via e-Referrals to the ICGS SPoA.

The Integrated Community Gynaecology Service SPoA can be found on e-Referrals under:
‘Integrated Community Gynaecology Service Single Point of Access’.

To support this process, a referral form template is available to all West Hertfordshire GP practices via DXS in EMIS.

Once received, referrals will undergo clinical triage led by local Consultant Gynaecologists working with ICGS GPs with a Special Interest in Gynaecology.

There are three possible outcomes following triage:

• Further discussion with the GP Practice – where additional information is required or where management in General Practice is appropriate, supported by clear clinical advice.
• Acceptance into the Community Gynaecology Service – patients may be offered an urgent or routine appointment, a face-to-face or virtual consultation, or be booked directly for diagnostics or procedures.
• Referral to the Acute Trust – for patients requiring specialist secondary care input, following triage and in line with agreed escalation criteria.

The SPoA also receives Advice & Guidance queries from general practice, enabling West  Hertfordshire GPs to seek clinical advice directly from our Consultant Gynaecologist and GPSI Team. Queries may be converted into referrals where appropriate to ensure safe follow-up.

All referral management takes place via NHS e-Referrals, ensuring clear communication, improved visibility, and full traceability of clinical decision-making across the pathway.

This collaborative model with West Herts Teaching Hospital Trust is designed to strengthen clinical oversight, improve risk management, and ensure that patients are directed to the most appropriate service first time. This helps reduce waiting times, improve clarity around referral pathways, and minimise unnecessary repeat GP consultations.

We are committed to meeting National Processing Standards:

• Advice & Guidance: response within 5 working days
• Routine referrals: processed within 5 working days
• Urgent referrals: processed within 2 working days

The ICGS SPoA provides significant benefits for our shared patients and is most effective when used consistently across the system. We therefore kindly ask our West Hertfordshire GP colleagues to direct all routine and urgent gynaecology referrals to the SPoA.

By working collaboratively across primary, community, and secondary care—with shared clinical governance and joint responsibility for triage decisions—we can improve patient safety, experience, and outcomes, whilst making the best use of NHS resources.

We look forward to continuing to work towards providing the best possible care for our patients in West Hertfordshire.