Informatics systems for the collection or analysis of information Directions 2016

Directions given by the Secretary of State for Health requiring NHS Digital to establish and operate informatics systems for the collection or analysis of information, and to exercise systems delivery functions in respect of the Electronic Prescription Service, the Health and Social Care Network, NHS Choices, N3, the NHS E-Referral Service, the Secondary Uses Service and Spine 2.

Purpose

To novate specified information and technology contracts established under the previous Department of Health informatics portfolio to NHS Digital with effect from 1st December 2016. These Directions supplement:

The Spine Services (No. 2) Directions 2014.
The Systems Delivery Functions for NHS Choices and Additional Systems Delivery Functions for NHS Choices Directions 2013.

Legal basis

Sections 254(1) and (6), 260(1) and (2)(d), 261(1) and (2)(e), 274(2), 304(9) and (10) of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and Regulation 32 of the National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence (Constitution and Functions) and the Health and Social Care Information Centre (Functions) Regulations 2013.

The Directions came into force on 16 January 2017.

Learn more about this Direction

Electronic Prescription Service, Health and Social Care Network, NHS Choices, N3, NHS e-Referral Service, Secondary Uses Service letter of Direction

pdf 247 KB

Amendment to the Legal Directions 2016

pdf 167 KB

Further information

Electronic Prescription Service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) sends electronic prescriptions from prescribers to dispensers.

Health and Social Care Network (HSCN)

The Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) provides a reliable, efficient and flexible way for health and care organisations to access and exchange electronic information.

Message Exchange for Social Care and Health

Message Exchange for Social Care and Health (MESH) provides the ability to share data directly between health and care organisations and is the nationally recognised mechanism for this method of data sharing.

NHS e-Referral Service

The NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) combines electronic booking with a choice of place, date and time for first hospital or clinic appointments. Patients can choose their initial hospital or clinic appointment, which they can then book online (a telephone service is also available) or in the GP surgery at the point of referral.

NHSmail

NHSmail is the national secure collaboration service for health and social care in England. It includes a full suite of collaboration and productivity tools based on Microsoft Office 365, such as Outlook for email and calendar, Teams for instant messaging and video calls, and Office for documents and spreadsheets.

Secondary Uses Service (SUS)

Our service allows commissioners and providers to use data for secondary uses such as planning, commissioning and calculating payments.

NHS.UK

Last edited: 31 October 2023 8:49 am