"Despite best intentions, pieces of paper would sometimes get lost and the handwritten notes weren't always legible or complete which could result in a patient's appointment being delayed."
Mr Ryall said the electronic system almost eliminated the chance of a referral getting lost or being unreadable.
"This is great for patients - they are getting the specialist care they need faster."
The eReferral system was funded by this government and is being used by sixteen district health boards. The four remaining district health boards, MidCentral, Nelson Marlborough, Southern and Whanganui, are introducing the system this year.