Information for health professionals (breast service)
For non-urgent clinical enquiries please contact the breast secretaries on extensions 8857, 5023, 6860 or 6869 rather than email. They will be able to direct you to the appropriate team member.
Emergency out of hours cover
Emergency out of hours cover is provided by the acute general surgical team via the acute surgical unit, according to the breast emergency care pathway.
Best practice diagnostic guidelines for patients presenting with breast symptoms are available from the Association of Breast Surgery.
Referrals for suspected breast cancer
NICE: Breast cancer - recognition and referral
The referral letter must include:
- NHS number
- Brief history of presenting condition
- Referring GP
- List of current medication and co-morbidity
- Family history of breast cancer
- Past history of breast disease
- Menopausal status
Referrals for family history clinic
Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/breast-implants-and-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-alcl
Information for implant removal
New guidelines on the removal of breast implants can be found by using the search facility on the right of the table here:
Breast surgery for cosmetic purposes
Breast surgery for cosmetic purposes is not currently performed here in Southampton. This includes the following, in the absence of a personal history of breast cancer and its treatment:
- Breast reduction or augmentation (enlargement)
- Correction of breast asymmetry
- Gynaecomastia
We are unable to accept any referrals or make any applications for funding for cosmetic procedures. Should it be felt that there are exceptional circumstances which need to be taken into consideration, application should be made for exceptions approval for funding.
If funding is obtained, referral should be made to one of the nearest plastic surgical units. Portsmouth and Salisbury are regional plastic surgical units. They may insist on funding even for an appointment to provide an opinion.
The Academy of Royal Colleges have provided recommendations regarding removal of breast implants. If implants were inserted privately for cosmetic purposes, assistance from the private provider should be sought first. The NHS can provide removal (but not replacement) of implants where funding conditions are met and application or an individual funding request (IFR) has been approved.
Please visit the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges website for breast prosthesis removal best practice guidance.