NHS e-Referral Service
Any to Any
Referral to a provider in a different part of the country
Patient and User Journey: The Vision …….
1
Patient sees GP
Matthew, a 19 year old student in
Leeds, sees his GP with severe lower
back pain that has been bothering
him for a long time. He is also having
numbness and weakness in his right
leg. After examining him, Dr
Challenor suspects that Matthew
might have a disc prolapse and
would benefit from seeing a
specialist who can assess his
problem.
Any to Any
2
GP refers to local Clinical
Assessment Service
Dr Challenor searches on the NHS eReferral Service for ‘disc prolapse’.
She notes there is a locallycommissioned multidisciplinary
Clinical Assessment Service (CAS)
that assesses all musculoskeletal
problems. Matthew agrees to
attend an assessment and chooses
to be sent the booking instructions
electronically. He is then able to
book an appointment.
Any to Any
3
Patient attends the
assessment appointment
Matthew is seen by Gill, a
consultant physiotherapist,
who assesses him and feels he
needs a scan of his lower back.
The MRI scan confirms a large
disc prolapse. As his symptoms
are so severe, Gill advises that
surgery might be indicated and
would like to refer him to a
back surgeon.
Any to Any
4
Consultant Physiotherapist
refers to provider in Cambridge
Matthew would rather have
surgery near his parent’s home
in Cambridge, so that they can
help him after any possible
operation. Gill logs onto the NHS
e-Referral Service and searches
for disc prolapse services near
Cambridge. She sends Matthew
a list of options electronically
and he books his appointment
online.
Any to Any
5
Consultant Surgeon reviews
referral information
Mr Delaney, the spinal surgeon
in Cambridge, reviews the
clinical referral information and
MRI report provided by Dr
Challenor and Gill. He accepts
the referral into his service and
records an instruction for his
administrator to request
Matthew’s MRI images from the
PACS portal.
Any to Any
6
Patient attends consultant
appointment
Matthew attends his appointment
and subsequently has surgery at
his chosen hospital near his
parents.
Any to Any
7
Patient gives feedback
After his operation, Matthew is
invited to provide online feedback
on the referral and booking
process. He is pleased to be able
to provide positive feedback
about his experience.
Any to Any
How can YOU get involved?
• Take part in the consultation at: www.hscic.gov.uk/ers
• Contact us on email: nhs.ers@hscic.gov.uk
NHS e-Referral Service vision – making paperless referrals a reality