The referral management centres were transferred from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust to NHS Kernow on 1 April 2013 with a mandate to deliver the following:

1. More patient choice and an improved patient journey;
2. To act as a source of training and education for GPs, including locums, to support the delivery of high quality, right first time referrals that lead to a patient being seen in the right place, at the right time, first time for their first outpatient appointment; and
3. The provision of high quality and routine data to GPs, GP practices, commissioners and providers so that effective and efficient services can be commissioned based on evidence.

Referral Management Service (RMS)

NHS Kernow's Referral Management Service (RMS) manages referrals from 53 GP practices, excluding those in East Cornwall. This service helps GPs to make excellent referrals to hospital consultants and helps patients to access appointments that are convenient for them wherever possible. 

We also commission, but don't manage, hospitals, mental health, childrens and community services. On the RMS website, patients can find general information on their conditions by looking at the information for patients section. Click here to access the Referral Management System. 

Devon Referral Support Services - for patients in South East Cornwall

NHS Kernow commissions Devon Referral Support Services (DRSS) to manage referrals for the 11 practices in East Cornwall. You can access this service here or call 01752 398993 for more information.