Change when choosing a single referral assessment service for a patient in the NHS e-Referral Service

In March 2024, changes were made to the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) to allow patients to make their choice of Referral Assessment Service (RAS) or bookable services when referred.

Since this update we have listened to user feedback relating to possible confusion when referring patients to a single RAS.  

On Sunday 28 April a change was made to e-RS to simplify the process for referring or onward referring patients to a single RAS and applies to any initial or onward referrals made from this date.

Specifically, the ‘Request’ button is disabled if only a single RAS service is selected (see below). Only when two or more RASs are selected, or at least one bookable service is selected, does the Request button become enabled to create a referral shortlist. This means the referrer must select the ‘Book/Send for Triage’ button, then the ‘Send for Triage’ button to refer the patient to a single RAS. This change is for all referral priorities

The ‘Request ‘button has also been disabled on the Book/Send for Triage screen.