Do private practitioners have access to the electronic referral service (ERS)?

Many NHS general practitioners exploring the transition to private practice may wonder about their access to NHS services, particularly when it comes to referrals. Generally speaking, the electronic referral service (ERS) is a vital tool for NHS GPs, streamlining the process of referring patients to different specialists within the NHS. But what does this mean for private practitioners?

Access to the NHS ERS for Private GPs

Currently, private practitioners in the UK do not have access to the NHS electronic referral service (ERS). This isn't a significant issue for acute or emergency referrals, such as when a private GP advises a patient to go to A&E. In these situations, referrals are typically managed directly without the need for ERS.

However, when it comes to specialised or urgent referrals, such as two-week wait (2WW) cancer pathways, communication becomes essential. Private GPs might feel concerned about patient care continuity since the ERS facilitates easy coordination between various NHS services.

In these cases, private GPs need to liaise directly with the relevant NHS departments. For a 2WW cancer referral, a private GP would contact the local cancer referral team. These submissions often occur through secure email platforms like NHS Mail or Egress. Therefore, ensuring your practice can securely communicate with NHS services is fundamental.

"While direct access to ERS is not available, collaboration with NHS GPs can ensure seamless patient care."

Coordinating with NHS GPs

When it comes to routine referrals, private GPs may find that collaboration with NHS colleagues is beneficial. By providing detailed consultation notes, private GPs can empower their patients to facilitate necessary referrals through their NHS GP. This way, patients benefit from the integrated pathways the NHS offers, aligning their private and public healthcare experiences positively.

For private practitioners, using a robust electronic health record system like EMIS Web can ensure that they maintain high standards of care and accurate patient histories, which aids when engaging and coordinating with NHS services. Furthermore, employing platforms like Hero Health might enhance patient communication and engagement, a crucial component when acting as the pivot between private and NHS care.