LAUSR

To assess the appropriateness of red flag referrals to breast clinic. Retrospective study of patients attending breast clinic as red flag referrals within a few months period. 149 patients were identified. Their referrals and clinic notes were accessed through electronic care records. Out of the 149 patients used, 2 were routine referrals and the others were red flag. Various sources of referrals were seen such as from GP, Screening programme, SDA programme, and other departments. From the referrals, 95% are female (N = 142) and the remaining N = 7 (5%) were males. The youngest patient referred was 14 years old and the oldest 92. The average age for the referrals were 50 years old. From all the 125 referrals from GPs, 81.6% are in accordance with NI guideline and 78.4% are in accordance to NICE guidance. Of the 10 referrals made by other specialties, only 80% are in accordance with NICE and NI guidelines. The remaining 12 of the patients were from the SDA programme/ Breast screening programme. Interestingly of all the red flag referrals, only (9%, N = 13) are cancer. Currently there is no triage system for red flag referrals in Antrim Area Hospital for breast clinic. We are currently seeing all the patients that are referred as red flag although some of them are inappropriate. A triage system needs to be placed.