As from June 2018 all new hospital referrals are to be made via NHS eRS (electronic referral Service) previously known as Choose and Book service. This change will not affect the community clinic referrals or Follow Up appointment referrals.
What does this mean for you?
From June 2018, the GP surgeries are no longer able to send a paper referral to hospitals to request new patient appointment for you to see a specialist.
As all referrals will have to be done via NHS eRS, you will be given a printed eRS referral document with your unique ID number and Password either during your consultation with your doctor or asked to pick up this document later from the reception, which will allow you to book your own appointment from your home.
You will be able to choose the time and date of your appointment by following a simple step by step guide detailed on the eRS document.
For more information on eRS or to make your appointment bookings please visit the NHS Digital and NHS Choices websites or follow the links below:
https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-e-referral-service
https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/appointment-booking/Pages/about-the-referral-system.aspx