Inclusion of 3 and 4 year olds in the NEL Community ENT Service
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From 3 August 2026, children aged 3 and 4 years can be referred to the NEL Community ENT Service via the existing e-RS pathways.
A pilot has been agreed to expand the service acceptance criteria to include children aged 3 and 4 years across North East London.
This change is intended to:
- improve access to care for young children
- help reduce waiting times and backlogs
- further alleviate pressure on acute services across North East London.
The age range and service names within e-RS will be updated to reflect the new lower age limit. Referrals should continue to be made through the usual pathways:
- TNW ENT Triage Service – Children aged 3–16 years
- City and Hackney Communitas Paediatric ENT Service – Referral Assessment
- BHR Community ENT Service – Children aged 3–17 years
For referral queries, please contact Communitas Clinics on 020 8683 6734 or email intermediate.services@nhs.net.