Version: 1.0.2 | Published: 9 Dec 2025 | Updated: 0 days ago
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111 Referral Standard

Dataset

Summary

Type:
Information standards
Applies To:
  • All 111 and 999 service referrals to wherever the person goes next.
  • Referrals through 111 online, call handler or clinical assessment services and 999 services.
Topics:
  • Care records
  • Continuity of care
  • Health
  • Interoperability
  • Key care information
  • Messaging
  • Referrals
Care Settings:
  • Ambulance (Urgent and Emergency Care)
  • Dentistry
  • GP / Primary care
  • Mental health
  • Pharmacy
  • Urgent and Emergency Care

Documentation

Description:
PRSB was commissioned by NHS England to produce the 111 Referral Standard as part of the Booking and Referral Standard programme (BaRS). The standard defines the information that should be shared from 111 or 999 services when a person is referred onto another service. It also defines the information for a post event message (PEM) to inform a person’s GP of their contact with 111 services. This is subset of the 111 referral to give GPs an effective summary, and is sent after all contacts with a few exceptions, including if the referral is to the GP, or the call was just to seek information. GPs should not confuse this PEM, which is just for their information, with a 111 referral to GP, which they must action. These will replace the current referral messages which are poorly regarded and little used. Across the UK, 111 services are becoming the first point of contact for urgent care and are essential in ensuring that people are referred to the most appropriate service safely and efficiently. In England the NHS Long Term Plan sets out to ensure patients get the care they need, fast and to relieve pressure on A&E departments by referring people to the most appropriate service. This standard was created to support clear and concise information flows between the 111 referrer and the receiving services and professionals or clinicians to support safe and effective care. Scope The standard applies to:
  • All 111 and 999 service referrals to wherever the person goes next.
  • Referrals through 111 online, call handler or clinical assessment services and 999 services, and is not specific to any triage system.
  • The standard is UK-wide and developed in consultation with a wide range of professionals from all four nations, including from 111 services, receiving services, IT suppliers and people who use services.
  • All age groups including children.
The standard does not apply to transfers between 111 services (e.g. across a country border) or between 111 and 999 services. How it works The standard defines the full set information which should be sent in a 111 referral, however some of the information will only be appropriate when the referral is from a clinician or the clinical assessment service (e.g., the chief clinical concern or the diagnosis). These occurrences are noted in the implementation guidance and supported by the conformance (mandatory, required or optional) for each data item, where required means the information should be sent where it is available, recognising that this information may not be available where its not relevant to the individual case or not gathered during calls or online contact. Much of the referral information should be generated from the system with the information recorded during the contact, with only information like the clinical summary (where used) having to be added by the referring person.
Is Part Of:
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