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Below you will find answers to some of our most common queries.

If you have any queries on CReST, please reach the team on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I've seen other Demand and Capacity tools, what is the difference between them?

The Children & Young People's Referral Management System Tool (CReST) is a demand and capacity tool, initially designed for Children and Young People's Mental Health pathways however can be applied across wider health and care sector pathways and services.

CReST is a user friendly and easily accessible online tool. Through inputting basic information, CReST provides valuable insight into what services can look like in terms of what capacity is needed to meet the needs of patient populations. The outputs can also support operational and strategic planning for new and improved pathways with improved waiting times for service users and patients as well as inform commissioning decisions at Integrated Care System level. 

CReST can help you to: 
- Model and create scenarios for services and pathways simultaneously by uploading their service data using the template provided. 
- Deliver customisable management reports including charts and data tables. 
- And model a 12-month forward view, considering potential emerging backlog.

This differs from other demand and capacity tools, which can often time focus on a more operational level.

 

How do I gain access to CReST?

Users can register for access to CReST via the registration form.

If you have an @nhs.net email address please log in via the 'Login with NHS.net' button, which will redirect you to redirect you to NHS mail, whereby you can log in using your NHS mail credentials. 

Is there any guidance/tutorial documentation available?

A full range of user guides and tutorial videos are available on the Help and Guidance page, covering everything from getting access to the tool and creating your first model, to analysing and adjusting your modelling outputs. 

Our team are also happy to assist with one-to-one modelling support sessions, as well as running quarterly introductory webinars. Please contact the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. 

Who can use the CReST tool?

The CReST tool can be utilised by the NHS, including NHS Trusts, NHS Foundation Trusts, Integrated Care Systems as well as private or third sector health and care organisations in England. CREST free-of-charge to use. 

All other parties must seek written permission from NHS England before reproducing any material from the CReST tool.

What can I use CReST tool for?

CReST can be used to consider many questions such as: 

 - How can I manage reduced capacity in my community team, because of absence/sickness? 

 - How can I manage an influx of demand? 

 - What is the optimum number of inpatient beds required for my demand? 

Through inputting some basic information, CReST enables systems to review how available capacity will respond to the demand on the service. 

For more information, please visit:  'What Can I Use CReST For?'.

Compatibility Issues with Internet Explorer

Many of the error messages that pop up from the system stem from using an out-dated version of Internet Explorer. To find out which version of Internet Explorer you are using please follow these simple steps.

  • In the browser menu bar click the Help button
  • Open this menu and click the About Internet Explorer button
  • A window appears like the one below, the number next to Internet Explorer will tell you which version you are using.

Functionality of the website may be limited when using Internet Explorer.

We recommend using Microsoft Edge or Chrome browsers for the best user experience. Please also ensure that IE7 compatibility is disabled.

What does CReST stand for?

CReST stands for Children & Young People's Referral Management System Tool. It is is a demand and capacity tool, initially designed for Children and Young People's Mental Health pathways however can be applied across wider health and care sector pathways and services. 

How do I get help?

Our support team are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

They can be contacted via 'Contact Us', or by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What counts as a referral for the purposes of this tool?

When entering your average referrals per year into the model, you should include all face to face, telephone, and online contacts you anticipate.

My password isn’t working, what can I do?

Please click on the ‘Forgot your Password’ link on the log in page of the tool. You will be prompted to enter your email address, after which a new password will be emailed to you.

Please get in touch with our support team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any further difficulties.

What are the technical specifications for using CReST?

While we take every care to make the system compatible with a wide range of web browsers it is not possible for us to anticipate every possible combination of browsers and configurations.

If you come across issues using this site it is usually a good idea to grab a friendly local IT guy to check out any potential local issues first!

We will support and regularly test the site using the majority of browsers currently in use, including:

  • Internet Explorer (IE) 11
  • Edge – latest version
  • Google chrome - latest version
  • Firefox - latest version
  • Opera - latest version
  • Safari – latest version

Key things to note:

  • Beginning January 12, 2016, only the most current version of Internet Explorer available for a supported operating system receives technical support and security updates.
  • Windows 10 features Microsoft Edge. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge as your default browser and supports Internet Explorer 11 for backward compatibility.
  • We would recommend that browser versions are kept up to date to ensure the best functionality and security.
  • Lifecycle information for Internet Explorer and other Microsoft products can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/lifecycle#gp/Microsoft-Internet-Explorer.
  • Internet Explorer Users - Make sure that compatibility mode is Switched OFF ! 
  • This site should work fine with Mobile devices, it is designed around responsive template. 
  • This site does use Javascript.
  • This site should not need any active X controls or plugins to work.
  • This site uses cookies; Without the cookies you would need to login separately to every page!
  • If cookies are disabled in your browser the login system won't work and you will not be able to access any non public pages.
  • Finally, please ensure cookies are enabled.
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