Change is on the way for specialist referrals from your GP

What's the current system for referrals?

At the moment, if your GP refers you for treatment, it goes through a local booking system. We've been hearing that this system is full of barriers that stop patients getting treatment at a time or place that's convenient for them - essentially restricting patient choice.  For example, it doesn't let you to book care/treatment at a different hospital to the one you've been referred to (for example if the waiting time is too long, or you'd just prefer to go elsewhere.)

What's changing?

The new NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) is a national booking system. It should provide an easier way for you to choose your first hospital or clinic appointment with a specialist. It will allow you to book your appointment at a date and time convenient to you.

How does it work?
Your GP will make the referral directly to the service provider(s) using e-RS. They should then send you one of the following:

• Directly Bookable Services
An appointment request letter containing information on how to book your appointment.

• Indirectly Bookable Services
A referral confirmation letter, advising that you have been referred to a service and the service provider will contact you, to arrange your appointment.

We're hopeful that this move to a national booking system will remove barriers to getting treatment, and increase patient choice.