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Why do you need your NHS number?
Your NHS number is unique to you. It helps healthcare staff and service providers identify you correctly and match your details to your health records. You do not need your NHS number to use NHS services, including booking appointments.
Your personal information in computer records is protected under the Data Protection Act 1988 which means professionals can only see your personal information for the specific purpose of providing care direct to you. It is against the law to share or sell personal information to anyone else.
Do you have to give your employer your NHS number?
NHS numbers help staff across the NHS get up-to-date information on patients’ health. However, you don’t need to know your NHS number to get NHS treatment.
Is Chi and NHS Number the same?
The COMMUNITY HEALTH INDEX NUMBER (CHI NUMBER) uniquely identifies a PATIENT on the Community Health Index (Scotland) within the NHS in Scotland. It is the equivalent of the NHS NUMBER in England and Wales.
What can someone do with NHS number?
Benefits of using the NHS Number
- accurately links the patient to their record.
- enables transfer of patient records electronically using GP2GP.
- enables referrals using the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)
- helps the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) send electronic prescriptions from GP surgeries to pharmacists.
Can someone else use your NHS number?
You can use this service if you live in England. You can also use this service for someone else.
Does everyone have an NHS Number?
Your NHS Number is a unique number. It helps healthcare staff and service providers identify you correctly and match your details to your health records. Everyone registered with the NHS in England, Wales and the Isle of Man has their own number.
What do NHS numbers start with?
It is made up of 10-digits and is allocated to everyone registered with the NHS in England and Wales. The current format for displaying NHS Numbers is the 3-3-4 format (e.g. 123 456 7890) which was introduced in 1996.
How can I check my NHS Number is valid?
You should also be able to find your NHS Number on any letter or document you have received from the NHS, including prescriptions, test results, and hospital referral or appointment letters. If you cannot find your NHS Number in these ways, you can ask your GP practice to help you.
Can I put my husband on my NHS app?
Add a family member, or someone you care for, and use certain NHS services on their behalf. Information: Proxy access allows parents, family members and carers to access health services on behalf of other people.
Can you switch from private to NHS?
Yes, it is possible. For example, you can get the chemo and surgery in private, but then move to NHS to continue with radiotherapy and get your antibody treatment. As long as treatment parts are separate to each other in terms of time, this is possible.