e-Referral System Dataset (eRSDS)

The NHS e-Referral Service Open Data set is anonymous summary data of the number of referrals, bookings and appointment slot issues (ASIs) per week per Integrated Care Board – sub group (ICB-sub group) level by specialty using the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) 

The NHS e-Referral Service provides an easy way for patients to choose their first hospital or clinic appointment with a specialist. Bookings can be made by the patient online, using the telephone, or directly in the GP surgery at the time of referral. Under the NHS Standard Contract, all GPs in England use e-RS to make referrals to consultant-led outpatient services. 

The data do not include those patients that have had a referral, booking or attempted booking outside of e-RS. 

These data are being made available to allow for their use in public health – enabling more analysis, modelling and planning to be performed. The dataset will be updated on a monthly basis and feedback is welcome. 

Direction  

Find out about the Direction.

Legal basis for the collection of the data  

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 (HSCA 2012) section 254.  

Data Provision Notice  

There is no Data Provision Notice as e-RS has no requirement to request organisations to provide data.

Legal basis for the provision of data  

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 (HSCA 2012) section 259. 

Legal basis for processing the data 

The UK GDPR Article 6 lawful basis for the processing of the personal data within this collection falls under: 

• Article 6(1)(e) processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller

The UK GDPR Article 9 condition for processing special categories of personal data within the collection falls under: 

• Article 9 2 (h) processing is necessary for the provision of health care or treatment, and for the management of health care systems or services

Transparency notice  

Find out about the Transparency Notice.

Lag time from collection to dissemination  

Approximately 5 working days after the submission window.

Frequency  

Monthly.

Commissioning extracts specification  

To be confirmed. 

Suppression rules

To be confirmed.