SELK Spinal Network

Overview

The South East London and Kent (SELK) Spinal Network exists to improve the quality and consistency of spinal care across the region. Our goal is to ensure equitable access to services, reduce unwarranted variation, and maximise use of regional resources — regardless of a patient’s geography.

We align with GIRFT guidance and the National Low Back and Radicular Pain Pathway (2017), and work collaboratively across acute, specialist, community and rehabilitation services.

What we’ve achieved

The network has already made significant progress in improving spinal pathways and access:

• Enabled direct PACS access to MRIs across SEL and Kent so consultants can advise in real time
• Developed a model Cauda Equina Syndrome pathway piloted by GIRFT nationally
• Strengthened pathways for spinal fractures and follow up appointments
• Extended MRI service hours (now 8am–8pm across all trusts)
• Improved links between surgical care and pain management, aligned to national pathways

2026/27 priorities

This year, we’re focussed on:

• Implementing a service level agreement for booking follow up imaging locally to patients’ homes
• Integrating the British Spinal Registry Interface into EPIC at King’s College, Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals
• Improving clinician education on spinal pathways and priority conditions
• Developing and promoting patient education on spinal care and recovery
• Strengthening integration between spinal, neurology and neurosurgery services

Spinal pathways and referral tools

We are working with partners to simplify and standardise spinal referral processes.

• Cauda equina syndrome interactive pathway
• National low back pain and radicular pathway
• Spinal MDT referral pathway
• Spinal fracture MDT referral pathway

Referral systems in use:

• eRS (GP / primary care referrals)
• Patient Content System, PCS (inter-hospital referrals)
• EPIC (hospital referrals at King’s and Guy’s/St Thomas’)

Useful resources

• Cauda equina syndrome – Patient info
• Spinal fractures – Patient info
• Spinal surgery – Patient info
• Consultant to consultant referrals – Guidance
• MACP cauda equina – Information cards
• Neurosurgery at King’s College Hospital – Overview
• Spinal fracture pathway – Template
• SELK Spinal Network Annual Report 2023–24

Network leadership

Meet the SELK Spinal Network team.

Get involved / contact

Please contact Cecilia Clarke, Neurosciences Network Manager:  cecilia.clarke@nhs.net