Consultant Connect provides rapid advice and guidance (via phone and messaging) at no cost. Use the platform to speak to local and national specialists when timely advice is needed, especially if a patient’s needs are complex. Consultant Connect is integrated with the e-RS referrals system via its Messaging Advice and Refer feature, giving you an easy and seamless way to review a patient’s case and, if necessary, refer that patient to a clinic

To find out what local services are accessible on Consultant Connect in one of the NCL boroughs, see the Consultant Connect services spreadsheet (Downloads). This document is updated as new services are brought onboard.

Please note: Mental Health Medication Advice is provided by Consultant Connect and the service will be provided by the team at South London and Maudsley. Please refer to Consultant Connect Advice and Guidance via the app.

How to access Consultant Connect

You can access the service via the Consultant Connect App (iPhone or Android) or via your landline with a unique dial-in number to your practice.

When you open and log into the Consultant Connect App, you will see a list of speciality services that are available to you. When you call your unique dial-in number, a list of available specialities will be read out to you for selection using the keypad.

Consultant Connect routes your calls and messages to a rota of specialist NHS consultants. If the first consultant is unable to answer, the service moves your call to the next available consultant. The average connection rate is 27 seconds.

Visit the how-to video links listed under Training Videos to help you with the App.

Advice and Refer by Consultant Connect

NCL ICB practices have access to Advice and Refer by Consultant Connect, linking the Consultant Connect platform with the e-RS referrals system. This means that after seeking Messaging Advice and Guidance, practice admin teams can raise an e-RS referral for bookable services in the Consultant Connect message in their browser, if a referral is advised. 

Consultant Connect’s  Advice and Refer allows GP practice staff to:

• Submit and review patient cases via the Consultant Connect App or your browser.
• Review the patient’s case and all relevant attachments on one screen.
• Refer patients to directly bookable appointments on e-RS within Consultant Connect.

To set up practice admin staff with PID access to create referrals, practice managers or GP partners should email hello@consultantconnect.org.uk with the relevant name(s), email address(es) and job title(s). 

For more information on making e-RS referrals via Consultant Connect, please see the Advice and Refer User Guide.

If you have any questions, please contact your Consultant Connect Account Manager or a member of the team on 01865 261467.