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Making a nephrology referral

Referral to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) for nephrology within Birmingham and Solihull, is via the Advice and Refer portal.

The triaging consultant will respond with advice within 72 hours with advice, or if a new patient appointment is required you will receive confirmation that the referral has been put forward for booking.

Nephrology advice can also be sought via the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trusts (BCHC) community Chronic Kidney Disease team (CKD), via a direct EMIS referral.

Once the nephrologist confirms the need for an appointment via A and R. Please ensure the patient is informed of the reason they have been referred and to expect to come to an appointment face to face. Patients will be seen in the kidney service local to the patient’s address.

Nephrology clinics are held at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), Birmingham Heartlands Hospital (BHH), Solihull Hospital and Good Hope Hospital (GHH). We have some clinics running in Smethwick dialysis unit.

What should be included in the referral?

  • The five-year kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) risk (measured using the four variable kidney failure risk equation), if the referral is for chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • general medical history – particularly noting urinary symptoms, previous blood pressures, results of urine testing, significant diagnoses
  • medication history – including non-prescribed and over-the-counter drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), herbal remedies
  • family history - where relevant
  • examination – be particularly vigilant for a palpable bladder, especially in older men with a history of lower urinary tract symptoms, these patients require urgent urology referral and not nephrology
  • urine dipstick result for haematuria and quantitation of proteinuria by albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) or protein creatinine ration (PCR)
  • blood tests – full blood count, urea and electrolytes. HbA1c if diabetic. If available, calcium, albumin, phosphate, cholesterol
  • previous tests of renal function (with dates) back to normal renal function if possible (unless electronically available in specialist centre)
  • imaging – results of any prior renal imaging if undertaken

Last reviewed: 23 November 2023