Booking and Referral Standard (BaRS)

NHS England and IT supplier began to rollout BaRS functionality from 2024. This allows Pharmacy First referrals from GP practices using Optum (formerly EMIS) Web Local Services or Optum PharmRefer to flow directly into pharmacy clinical system workflows.

These referrals now arrive in the same workflow as Pharmacy First referrals from NHS 111 telephony and NHS 111 online.

GP practices for any reason not using BaRS will continue to refer via NHS.net Connect .

Pharmacy teams don’t need to take any action—IT suppliers will switch on this functionality automatically.

This rollout is a key milestone in implementing BaRS nationally. It helps streamline referral management, reduce admin burden, and improve patient safety by simplifying how referrals move from general practice into pharmacy systems.

Switching Pharmacy First IT supplier and BaRS setup

If a pharmacy owner wants to switch their Pharmacy First IT supplier, here’s how the process works:

1. Contact your preferred IT supplier to begin onboarding and complete any required training.
2. The supplier updates the DoS ‘Switch List’ with your pharmacy’s ODS code and proposed switch date.
3. The supplier confirms the switch date with you. Direct any questions to them.
4. The DoS and national BaRS teams review the Switch Log and activate the switch on the agreed date.
5. From that date, your pharmacy will begin receiving NHS 111 and GP referrals in the new system.

Switches depend on meeting all criteria, including having a shared NHS.net Connect  address and being registered for Pharmacy First.

Resources:
See ‘Further info’ below for NHS England BaRS materials, including a slide deck, information pack, and operational note for pharmacy teams.

The tables below show which IT suppliers have implemented BaRS for Pharmacy First.

BaRS user research opportunity:
Community Pharmacy England and NHS England’s Transformation Directorate (NHSE’s TD) are inviting pharmacy teams to share feedback on BaRS—including how it works with Pharmacy First. Your input helps shape the tool to better meet the needs of pharmacy teams and patients.

BaRS is designed to send booking and referral information quickly, securely, and in a format that supports clinical decision-making.

If you’d like to take part or have questions, email:
bookingandreferralstandard@nhs.net and cc it@cpe.org.uk

Virtual calls and visits in Manchester and London:
Pharmacy team members using GP Connect (Update Record / Access Record / BaRS) who want to share feedback or speak with NHSE’s TD user research team can email it@cpe.org.uk. NHS researchers will also visit some pharmacies using GP Connect Update Record in the London and Manchester areas.