How do I refer people?

Why

Our current way of working has multiple referral forms, into multiple services. We want to make this simpler using a single referral system to be passed quickly to the local, place-based teams, for triage and delivery of care.

How is this different?

This system does not replace existing systems but it is a replacement for paper or emailed referral forms. Instead of the referrer having to work out the best support for the individual, they can specify the help someone needs and the local team can coordinate across health, social care and the voluntary sector.

What does this mean for patients?

Patients will get referred into community services, where the team from their local area will allocate the most appropriate worker to meet their needs.

What does this mean for colleagues?

Colleagues in primary care, in the acute and those who are referring into community services will not need to worry about which service is most appropriate; they can refer via a simple form into all services and the community teams will arrange relevant support. PCN area teams and the Bed Bureau will access referrals through the single electronic referral system (SERS) in order to decide how best to support the individual. To access the dashboard, the teams in the PCN areas and the Bed Bureau have the appropriate permissions.

If you are a colleague looking to refer someone you can find detailed guidance and access links on your organisation’s intranet.

You can find useful helpline numbers and links to support and information here.

If you’re an adult experiencing abuse or neglect, or if you’re concerned about somebody, contact the adult social care team. If you live in Cornwall call 0300 1234 131 or email accessteam.referral@cornwall.gov.uk. If you live on the Isles of Scilly, call 0300 123 4105.