Cancer and Blood Disorders Referral

Oncology referral steps

1. Assessment

   If you suspect a malignancy in a patient under 17 years old, call 604-875-2161 and ask the operator to page the oncologist on call (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

   Please note:

   • Do not intervene: do not biopsy or perform any surgical intervention. The issue is not technical competence but optimal processing of the tissue. Many tests are performed on tissues to help make an accurate diagnosis
   • Do not treat: do not initiate any treatment, especially steroids, which may interfere with the accuracy of the diagnosis, or influence the choice of treatment protocol
2. Referral details/patient information

   Provide the following patient information:

   • Name, age, and suspected diagnosis
   • Laboratory or radiology test results
   • Relevant family history/issues
3. Complete the referral

   Provide the information to the oncologist on call.

   Call 604-875-2161 and ask the operator to page the oncologist on call (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

4. Post referral

   • We will commence the diagnostic workup immediately
   • We will discuss information and test results with parents/caregivers and convey age-appropriate information to the child or youth
   • BC Children's Hospital social workers see new patients and families to help them deal with their new situation's emotional and psychosocial aspects
   • We will initiate treatment at BC Children's Hospital. Depending on the community's resources, the team may also provide some treatment and monitoring in the child or youth's community
   • We will decide on the mode of transportation based on the patient's condition

Hematology referral steps

1. Complete a form

   Please complete the referral form (PDF) and ensure all patient information is current. Include consults, reports, and chart notes (see referral form for the complete requirements).

2. Send the referral

   • If urgent (same day or within two weeks), the referring physician should call 604-875-2406 and ask to speak to the hematologist on call
   • If the referral is not urgent (longer than two weeks), fax the form and all relevant lab reports and medical information to 604-875-2911