Logging into the NHS e-Referral Service

There are multiple ways to access e-RS and the login method is generally determined by a user’s organisation during their e-RS onboarding process. Where e-RS is accessed through integration, a user will need to refer to their system supplier’s guide on how this can be done. If using the web-based e-RS, use the e-RS internet facing URL. Users can authenticate using 6 different methods. As the e-RS web-based application is accessed, the authentication methods available will display on screen unless the user has already completed the authentication process.

Find out more about the different ways to authenticate. 

Using Smartcard

If e-RS is accessed before authentication, the below screen is presented to the user:

Select smartcard as the login method and follow the step-by-step authentication process on screen.

Alternatively, after inserting a smartcard, a prompt to enter a passcode will be presented. An example of what this looks like is shown below:

After entering a valid passcode and successful authentication by the identity agent software, a role selection pop-up screen will be displayed. If the screen does not appear use the e-RS URL: https://ers.nhs.uk.

Depending on the authorised smartcard roles, there will be one or more available roles for the card holder to choose from. If a user has multiple roles, they will be able to select an appropriate role from a role selection window:

Select the login method and follow the instructions on screen to complete authentication.

Using Authenticator app

Below is an example of using Authenticator app:

When selecting ‘Authenticator app’ the user will be required to log in with their care identity credentials.

This is followed by a prompt to use a code generated in the authenticator app.

Using Security key

Users of security key will be able to select this option from the list of login methods. 

A window pop-up appears for the user to confirm this selection. Select security key and click on next.

After confirming security key as the method of authentication, the user is prompted to sign into spine with their pin or passcode. The example below shows the screen prompt when Edge is used as the internet browser:

Users of Chrome will see a similar screen in their browsers.

The user will be prompted to touch their security key after they have successfully signed into spine.

Once a user has successfully completed verification, they will be able to login into their associated organisation.

If a user has access to 5 or fewer organisations, they can choose the appropriate organisation by selecting the radio button.

For a user with access to more than 5 organisations, the selection can be made by choosing the appropriate organisation from a drop down. 

After choosing an organisation, if the user has only one business function, the system will automatically log in to the user's homepage.

For a user associated with 5 or fewer roles, they will be able to choose an appropriate role by selecting the radio button.

A user with more than 5 roles will be able to select appropriate role from a drop-down list.

Once e-RS has successfully loaded, a screen like the images shown below is displayed depending on the role profile of the user.

The following screen will be displayed for referrers:

The following screen will be displayed for providers:

Further information can be accessed through the:

• NHS e-Referral Service website - guidance is available for both referrer and provider, along with a list of supporting documents which are held within the document library.
• e-RS system Help 
• Authenticator options