Guideline Creation

We encourage creation of guidelines wherever a need is identified and will support individuals to take this initiative. Those interested should refer to the following steps when writing a regional guideline:
Step 1 - Identification of Need and Registration
  • Regional guideline need identified
  • Identification of a lead for creation of the guideline. This can be a resident doctor, but should also have a named consultant to provide continuity and be available to lead 3 yearly review
  • Identification of which speciality network will review the guideline in development
  • Email to [email protected] to inform of intention to develop guideline ​and to ensure that this guideline is not already being developed. This will be added to the list of upcoming guideline on the Guidelines page.
Step 2 - Development of Guideline
Step 3 - Regional Sign off of Completed Guideline
  • Once guideline is complete, all speciality representatives have had the opportunity to comment and no further changes will be made, complete the form below to send the guideline out for electronic signature. This will automatically send the guideline to the representatives named in the form to sign that they agree to the content of the guideline.
Step 4 - Governance and Publication
  • Once all signatories have responded (at minimum 70% of regional hospitals), guideline will be considered 'completed' and will go to governance team for final sign off. This governance process is currently held at University Hospital Southampton.
  • To check on the progress of guideline sign off, please email [email protected]
  • Once governance process complete, guideline to be added to website. In some exceptional circumstances, the guideline can be added to the website prior to governance sign off. This is done on an individual basis based on clinical need. 
Step 5 - Three Year Review
  • All guidelines will be reviewed every 3 years. Guideline authors will be contacted 3 months prior to expiry date to start this process. 
  • Once review has taken place, complete the form in Step 3 indicating whether changes have been made.
    • If significant changes have been made, the guideline will require electronic signatures from regional representatives as per a new guideline
    • If no changes (or minor changes, not including medications) are required, then only one other signatory will be required.
Clinical Network Contacts
Local operational delivery network leads
Wessex clinical network leads