Guidance on Private Consultants Referring to NHS Services

This page provides clarity on the process for private healthcare providers referring patients to NHS services, focusing on the use of the Electronic Referral Service (eRS) and related responsibilities.

Overview

Private consultants and GPs can refer patients to NHS secondary care services. However, there are differences in the obligations and processes for private providers and NHS GPs:

NHS GPs: Contractually required to use eRS for referrals.
Private providers: Not required to use eRS. Instead, the method of referral depends on agreements between the private provider and the NHS Trust.

Key Points

Private Providers Referring into NHS Services

Private providers are permitted to refer patients into NHS services, but there is no contractual obligation for them to use eRS. The BMA supports this, stating that the method of referral should be agreed upon between the private provider and the NHS Trust.

Hospital Rejections Due to Lack of eRS

Some hospitals may reject referrals not sent via eRS. This practice often arises from internal hospital processes rather than a formal policy. It is important to note that:

The Department of Health’s Guidance on NHS patients who wish to pay for additional private care (2009) states:

“Transferring between private and NHS care should be carried out in a way which avoids putting patients at any unnecessary risk. The NHS and the private provider… should work collaboratively to ensure effective risk management, timely sharing of information, and continuity of care.”

This emphasises the importance of cooperation between private providers and NHS Trusts to ensure safe and effective patient care transitions.

Private Providers Accessing eRS

Private providers often lack access to eRS because it requires an NHS contract and smart card access. Consequently, they may face logistical barriers to using the system.

Consultant-to-Consultant (C2C) Referrals

C2C referrals fall under NHS hospital contracts and are not the responsibility of GPs. The private provider and hospital should arrange the appropriate referral method in line with NHSE’s Elective Care Good Practice Guide.

Summary

Private providers can refer to NHS services, but their use of eRS is not mandatory.
NHS GPs are contractually required to use eRS for referrals.
Hospital rejection of non-eRS referrals should be addressed between the private provider and the NHS Trust.
GPs are not responsible for facilitating C2C referrals.

This guidance aims to ensure a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, promoting smooth transitions between private and NHS care.