The RDC aims to provide a consultation, investigations and initial results all on the same day. Prior to your appointment at the RDC, your GP will arrange for you to have some blood tests and refer you to us. The Rapid Diagnostic Service is one of two regional centres providing this service for people living in all trusts. The other RDC is based at Whiteabbey Hopsital.
The RDC currently provides rapid access service for those on a Vague symptom pathway.
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Vague Symptom Pathway
Your GP can refer you directly to the clinic if they think you meet the criteria.
Vague symptoms may include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Persistent nausea / appetite loss
- New atypical pain e.g. abdominal/bone pain
- Unexplained lab findings e.g. anaemia, hypercalcemia, thrombocytosis
- GP ‘gut feeling’ of serious illness LIKELY to be due to cancer
You will not be suitable for referral to the RDC if you already have a cancer diagnosis or are currently being investigated for these symptoms on another Red Flag (suspected cancer) pathway.
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Before your appointment
Once you have been referred you will receive a phone call, usually within two working days, from a member of the Rapid Diagnosis Centre (RDC) team. This telephone call may appear from an unknown number so please don’t ignore it.
The team will go through your medical history and ask questions about your existing symptoms and general wellbeing, this will ensure you receive the best possible care and support. During this call, you should receive the name and contact details of the person who will support you throughout your time at the RDC. This individual will be able to answer any questions or queries you or your family may have throughout the process and will keep you informed about next steps.
To help the team decide which tests you need, have a note of your recent medical history and current medication to hand. The team will let you know the location, date and time of your appointment by telephone in advance; they will also decide which tests you need and arrange these for you.
Please be aware that this appointment may be at short notice and you may have to attend the hospital for half a day and be available for later that day to get your results. You may wish to bring someone with you to your appointment
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What to expect at your appointment
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How to get here?
The RDC is based in South Tyrone Hospital, Carland Road, Dungannon BT71 4AU. Please follow signs for the Outpatients Department.
Directions can be found on Google Maps from your location.
For information on public transport to South Tyrone Hospital please click this link.
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Parking
There is free parking on site. The car park can be busy so please leave adequate time before your appointment to get parked.