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Training (integration) environment - NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)

The NHS e-Referral programme provides an environment for end users to support training and knowledge gain. This mirrors live e-RS and allow training on a life-like system, without the risk of accessing or altering real data.

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Who should use the environment

Any user who has knowledge of e-RS can use the environment.

This means:

  • users who are familiar with, and had training on, the e-RS system
  • trainers and training teams

Using the environment

To use the Integration training environment, you will need:

  • internet access (the environment is supported on Edge, Chrome and Firefox)
  • an authentication method such as Microsoft Authenticator, Security Keys, Windows Hello or Smartcard
  • to set up your own data - referrals for example

Key points to note for the environment are that:

  • users will require an internet connection
  • local IT support maybe required to allow access through local firewall and download software
  • this environment is connected to an artificial Patient Administration System (PAS) to allow the booking process to be simulated (test PAS's can also be connected to the environment)
  • prepopulated services are available within the environment for any users to refer into
  • users can create their own services
  • users will be required to create specific referral data
  • all users will have access to all services and data created within the environment
  • access to the environment can vary depending on the authentication method and local support timeframes
  • this environment is usually updated to reflect the live functionality prior to each update of the live e-RS
  • generic accounts can be created for training teams, terms of use agreement applies to all users

To register for access to the training environment contact [email protected]

Requests are acknowledged within one working day.

How the process works and timeframes
  1.  Users will be provided a connection guidance document, terms of use, privacy statement and asked to complete an access request form confirming their:
  • name, organisation and role
  • current level of e-RS knowledge
  • reasons for requiring access and the user roles they intend to use
  • authentication method to access the environment
  • agreement to the terms of use and privacy statement

Users should engage with their local IT support team to understand the most appropriate authentication method. The IT support team also may also need to amend local firewall restrictions to allow access the environment.

  1.  On receipt of the completed access form, the e-RS team requests access from IT operations team (ITOC) – within one working day.
  2. ITOC creates a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), password (smartcard only) and post smartcard to the user if needed – within eight working days.
  3. e-RS team confirms UUID with user, provides a user guide and test patient information - within one working day of receiving the information.
  4. User contacts ITOC to arrange for their UUID/authentication method to be assigned/binded to the environment.
  5. User accesses the environment following the user guide.

Testing environment

Contact [email protected] if you need an environment for testing purposes.

Last edited: 16 January 2025 2:16 pm