Releases

1. Single Point of Access (SPoA) services

This release introduces the first phase of functionality to support elective Single Points of Access (SPoA). 

The initial phase will allow e-RS Service Definers to set specific e-RS services as SPoA services and a new ‘Single point of access’ label will help referrers and provider users identify SPoA services from all other service types during service searching and when onward referring. 

The October release also includes a technical update to align e-RS Pathway start date with RTT Policy requirements and capture the referrer’s advice intention.

Review the SPoA news article for full configuration and implementation guidance.

2. Larger file uploads

This release increases the maximum supported file upload size to 100 MB in the web-based e-RS professional application. Validation and supporting background changes are included for larger attachments.

Review our news article for changes to file attachments in e-RS and how this will impact APIs.

1. Patient notifications

This release introduced patient notifications at key stages of an NHS e-Referral Service referral. Patients may receive updates through the NHS App, email or text message when their referral is being reviewed or has been accepted, helping them understand its status and what will happen next. For routine referrals, the expected response timeframe will also reduce to 20 working days.

Review the news article for full details of these changes.

2. DoS mapping tool improvements

In addition to general performance improvements, the release included:

• removal of the ‘Advice and Guidance (A&G) Alias’ field
• removal of ‘Export to Excel’ link 
• Extension of service mapping exercise deadline to 9 October
• Named consultant value presented on the service mapping tool's 'Map your services' page

The tool continues to support providers in mapping live services to the new specialty and clinic types and recording named clinicians for services subject to patient choice. 
This activity needs to be completed by every provider organisation with services on e-RS including:

• independent healthcare providers 
• NHS providers 
• GP practices that provide services 
• integrated care boards (ICBs) that have services

Our DoS news article contains further guidance on use of mapping tool.

3. System background changes to support file attachments functionality

The change will not impact end users. 

This release introduced improvements to file attachment security.

File attachments – enhanced virus scanning

Files uploaded through the web-based e-RS professional application will now be scanned for malware before they can be opened. New file statuses will help users understand the progress and outcome of file validation and scanning, including:

• scanning
• available
• virus detected
• validation failed

Any files uploaded via integrated systems (for those who access e-RS from within an existing IT system) will only go through the virus scanning if the IT system supplier have updated their application for this feature. 

Files attached through GP clinical systems using HL7 will display as ‘Available’.

Any organisation using robotic process automation (RPA) should be aware that the addition of the new file status will change the screen layout of the attachments section.

Please visit the news article for further guidance.

Release 16.6 – 24 July 2026

Release 16.5 - 23 June 2026

Release 16.4 – 13 March 2026

Release 16.3 - 13 February 2026