Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Diagnostic Centre

The Multidisciplinary Rapid Access Diagnostic Clinic (MRADC) is a service for people with non-specification symptoms that could indicate cancer. The MRADC helps to speed up diagnosis so that a treatment plan can be put into place. It is based at The Royal London Hospital and serves the whole of North East London. 

It is often challenging to identify the most appropriate referral pathway for this group of patients and this can result in multiple referrals and delays. It’s common for patients to use emergency routes such as A&E. The aim of the clinic is to improve cancer outcomes by diagnosing cancers earlier so that treatment can start as soon as possible. The pathway supplements cancer-specific diagnostic pathways. 

The service can be contacted on 07715 805 112, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or by emailing bhnt.rapidaccessdiagnosticclinic@nhs.net 

Your appointments

Why have I been referred to the MRADC? 

Your GP has referred you to the MRADC because you have non-specific symptoms that could indicate cancer.  

What will happen at the clinic? 

You will be seen by an advanced nurse practitioner or doctor who will ask you some questions about your symptoms and your medical history. You may have a variety of tests arranged for you including blood tests, x-rays, Ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging or camera tests (Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy). We will explain all the tests to you.  

How long will I be there? 

Appointments are carried out by telephone or face-to-face. Consultations can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on how long the clinician needs to carry out your appointment. For face-to-face appointments, please be prepared to be in the clinic for two to four hours, as some tests may be carried out on the day. 

Can I bring someone with me? 

With your consent, you can choose to have additional persons on the call or if your appointment is face-to-face you can bring one family member to the clinic.  

When will I get my appointment? 

You will be contacted by phone within 48 hours of being referred by your GP to arrange an appointment. This appointment should be within seven days of receipt of your referral. It is very important that you attend the appointment. If you are not able to attend, please call 07715 805 112 between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. 

Can I be offered a video appointment instead? 

Yes, the rapid diagnostic team can facilitate video appointments. However face-to-face appointments may be necessary in order for the clinician to assess you appropriately when normal operation returns.  

When will I get my results? 

We will either see you again in a follow-up clinic or give you a call to explain the results and a plan if necessary. This is usually within 21 days following your first appointment. You and your GP will also receive a letter explaining any findings. 

Please bring a list of all the medications that you are currently taking with you and also any medical letters or reports about any care or treatment you have been receiving in other hospitals. 

Your care team

The MRADC at Barts Health includes the following staff: 

Dr Angela Wong, lead consultant 

Dr Reshma Shah, RDC fellow 

Deva Payaniandy, advanced nurse practitioner 

Christopher Sivell, trainee advanced nurse practitioner  

Emma Fox-Brown, medical secretary 

Sofia Bibi, medical secretary  

Saiyed Attas, multidisciplinary team co-ordinator 

Mark Warren, director of cancer performance and improvement 

Information for professionals

This clinic is aimed at patients presenting with vague but concerning symptoms that could indicate cancer. Therefore, patients who present with the following should be referred directly to the MRADC: 

  • Vague symptoms that do not meet any of the tumour specific two-week wait pathway 
  • Symptoms that identify two or more two-week wait pathways 
  • Abnormal imaging that is suspicious of cancer. 

We ask that all patients referred to the service have an up-to-date renal function completed (within 3 months) in addition to the following: 

  • FBC 
  • U&Es 
  • Bone profile 
  • LFTs 
  • HbA1c 
  • TFTs 
  • CRP 
  • An HIV test should be considered where appropriate. 
  • FIT test (this can only be arranged in the community so please ensure it is done prior to referral)  
  • Where appropriate please also consider arranging the following  

Urinalysis 

  • CA125/ PSA  
  • Coeliac antibodies 
  • faecal calprotectin  
  • lipase  
  • Gamma GT 
  • chest x-ray 
  • Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound 

Referrals can be made directly through the NHSE referral service by selecting 2WW multidisciplinary rapid access diagnostic clinic (RLH) – Barts Health NHS Trust – R1H, found under 2ww and cancer of unknown primary. 

Patient Information

The Multidisciplinary rapid-access diagnostic clinic

Referral Template

Rapid Diagnostic Clinic Referral Template