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Urgent assessment/investigation and appropriate referral of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is important in preventing morbidity and avoiding litigation. A recent GIRFT review outlined a series of guidelines on the management of patients with suspected CES. This audit aimed to assess whether CES referrals to a tertiary spinal service are compliant with GIRFT recommendations and SBNS/BASS guidelines. Method Retrospective review of an electronic referral system at a tertiary spinal centre over 4 months, examining CES referrals from surrounding peripheral hospitals. General Practice referrals were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, symptoms/examination findings, timing of MRI and outcomes of the referral. Results A total of 48 referrals were included for analysis, mean age was 46.7 and 64% were female. 27% had no ‘red' or ‘yellow' flag signs/symptoms and were inappropriately referred. Majority did not perform pre/post void bladder scans prior to referring. 58% of all referrals were made without an MRI. 22% of those referred within ‘working hours’ were referred without MRI scan. There were significant variations in time taken to perform MRI at the referring hospital; median delay 11.1 hours (3-21hrs). Conclusions SBNS/BASS standards are currently not being met, which may adversely impact patient outcomes. Cost implications of patients being transferred to tertiary spinal centres who are found to have no abnormality, must be balanced against the cost of missed CES. This audit highlights the need for improvement in the quality of referrals through education and training at the referring centres.

1091 Assessment of Cauda Equina Syndrome Referrals to The Tertiary Spinal Service for Compliance with National Standards