A standard for clinical referrals that supports faster, better patient care. Referrals to hospital are increasing as more people continue to live longer with a range of complex conditions. The Clinical Referral Information Standard is designed to improve the exchange of referral information from GPs to hospital consultants and other health care professionals, providing the required information in a consistent format.

By using the standard professionals will have access to all relevant information in a timely manner, allowing for safer and more consistent care for people using health and care services. The information includes data about medications, previous history, allergies and current symptoms, as well as a patient’s concerns and expectations.

The primary care IT system is expected to be able to generate much of the information from the person’s record along with the referrers details, with the GP/professional adding the relevant clinical information.

The standard comprises 6 mandatory sections, 7 required sections (the information must be included where it is available), and 7 optional sections.