Directory of data uses

For information about how NHS England processes your personal data, see the NHS England Privacy notice.

NHS England also processes data via the NHS Federated Data Platform. See the NHS England NHS Federated Data Platform privacy notice for more information.

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Access Request System (ARS)

The Access Request System (ARS) manages and records access to NHS England systems and services. It provides audit trails and reports to provide internal assurance that access policies are being followed.

Adult Dental Health Survey

The Adult Dental Health Survey (ADHS) records the condition of teeth and dental hygiene, and attitudes towards dental care and oral hygiene nationally. This use of information is for monitoring and improving the management of health and care services.

Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey

Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) data is processed to provide a national picture of the prevalence of mental health conditions in England. We do this to monitor and improve health and care services.

NHS England collects personal and medical details about clients receiving Adult Social Care Services from local authorities in England to support the integration of health and social care. This data is shared through the Data Access Request Service (DARS) under legal Data Provision Notices.

Alcohol Dependence Programme Patient Level Data Collection

This data is used to assess the effectiveness of alcohol treatment services on groups of different ethnic, socioeconomic or other protected characteristics. It is also used to improve how services are delivered, including making them easier to access, understanding the impact they have, and reducing inequalities.

Alphabetical Index 1 (AI1)

Data is processed so that records can be traced and verified in response to Personal Demographics Service (PDS) queries and National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests.

Alphabetical Index 2 (AI2)

Data is processed so that records can be traced and verified in response to Personal Demographics Service (PDS) queries and National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests.

Ambulance Data Set Service

The Ambulance Data Set collects standardised patient activity data from all English ambulance services. This supports national reporting, reduces duplication, and helps better understanding of patient journeys across urgent and emergency care to improve patient outcomes.

API Management Product and Platform

The API Management Programme provides a secure, standard platform to help third parties integrate with NHS data services. It supports improved data exchange through APIs, includes a developer portal for API management, and uses strong multi-layer security, with minimal personal data collected to manage access.

Armed forces and families health care

NHS England commissions secondary care for serving personnel and Armed Forces families registered with MoD GP practices.

Artificial Intelligence Deployment Platform Pilot

How we use personal data to evaluate the effectiveness of a centralised hub to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) diagnostic support for radiological imaging in trusts.

Assuring Transformation Data Set

We collect data about people with a learning disability, autism, or both who are in hospital. This helps us monitor how many people are admitted, how long they stay, where they receive treatment, and how often their care is reviewed. This helps ensure people are only in hospital when community care is not more appropriate.

Birth and Death Registration Indexes

The list is held to help trace and verify records held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) and to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests.

Birth notifications

Data is collected to help allocate NHS numbers to newborns in England and Wales. Data will also be analysed to improve health and social care.

Bitsight

NHS organisations can use the BitSight Cyber Security Ratings service to assess their cyber security posture through a risk-based scorecard. NHS England manages the service and user access, and our Cyber Operations team also uses the reports to support improvements in cyber security across the NHS.

Booking and Referral Standard

The Booking and Referral Standard is an interoperability standard. It helps patients receive appropriate referrals and bookings by enabling NHS providers to securely and efficiently share booking and referral information for clinical care.

Book or manage a free NHS flu vaccine at a pharmacy

We use your information to confirm your identity and eligibility for a free NHS flu vaccination. It is also used to book and manage your appointment, contact you, retrieve your booking at the pharmacy, and produce anonymised reports on service use and missed appointments.

Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry (BCIR)

NHS England collects medical breast implant data to ensure patients can be traced in the event of a product recall or other safety concerns relating to a specific type of implant. The data is collected under legal notices and shared securely through the Data Access Request Service (DARS).

Business continuity management system (BCMS) Portal

This system collects and stores personal data to ensure the right people can be contacted in the event of an incident requiring a business continuity plan. It is also used to record training and competency within the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

Business continuity management system (BCMS) Sharepoint

Personal data in this system is stored on Sharepoint. It is limited to the names of internal staff attending meetings, owners of portfolio items and owners of business continuity plans.

Cancer Programme Pilots Evaluation

The NHS Cancer Programme funds and monitors local pilot schemes to evaluate their impact on metrics such as earlier diagnosis and survival of cancer.

Cancer Programme Pilots Evaluation (England): transparency notice

Cancer Waiting Times (CWT)

NHS England collects data from providers of NHS cancer care. We calculate and monitor performance against nationally set cancer targets for referrals, diagnosis and treatment.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Audit (CVDPREVENT Audit)

NHS England collects GP data for the CVDPREVENT Audit. This is a national programme monitoring and improving cardiovascular disease prevention, outcomes, and inequalities. The pseudonymised data is linked with other datasets in NHS England’s Unified Data Access Layer to support service recovery, quality improvement, evaluation, and related audits, including the National Obesity Audit.

Central Health Register Inquiry System (CHRIS) archive

This data is an archive of a system that preceded the Personal Demographic Service (PDS). It is no longer actively updated and is held within Data Management Services (DMS). It is accessed by National Back Office staff (NBO) for query resolution and manual tracing.

Child Health Information Services birth notification process for unassisted births

How we process data for unassisted births

Children's Dental Health Survey (CDHS)

The Children's Dental Health Survey (CDHS) records the condition of teeth and dental hygiene, and attitudes towards dental care and oral hygiene, nationally. It is processed to monitor and improve the management of health and care services.

Cisco Jabber

A communications tool which uses personal data to create user accounts supporting application usage and management.

Cisco Unity voicemail

A communications tool which uses personal data to support the Cisco Unity voicemail.

Cisco WebEx

A communications tool where personal data is used for creation of user accounts supporting application usage and management.

Click Dimensions

Collection of personal data so that relevant external stakeholders can be contacted about NHS England events. This is done on behalf of NHS England business teams and programmes.

Clinical Audit Platform

This platform collects email addresses and IP addresses in user registration to allow secure access to CAP and enable data submission for specific audits or registries. IP addresses and cookies are used solely for secure login and session management, not for tracking or marketing

Clinical Coding query resolutions

Collects information about clinical coding queries.

Clinical Coding Trainer and Auditor Details

A list of approved clinical coding trainer and auditor details.

Closed circuit television (CCTV)

This CCTV system collects personal data for the purpose of the prevention and detection of crime, investigation of security incidents and staff safety.

Community Pharmacy Clinical Services Dataset

NHS England collects community pharmacy service data, which is then pseudonymised, analysed, and linked with other datasets. We do this to monitor service delivery, understand patient pathways, improve data quality and safety, and support service design. It also helps ICBs ensure high quality, efficient care.

Community Service Data Set (CSDS)

The Community Services Data Set (CSDS) is a national, patient level secondary uses dataset providing standardised information on NHS funded community services across all ages. It supports service planning, quality improvement, commissioning, and research.

Continuing Health Care – independent review panels

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care for adults aged 18 or over which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS

Coronavirus response information governance hub

Find out how NHS England is using your data in its work to support the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

COVID-19 Ethnic Category Dataset

NHS England was directed to collect and link COVID-19 data to support pandemic planning and research, with a focus on ethnicity to address health inequalities. The COVID-19 Ethnic Category Dataset combines GP and hospital data to improve ethnicity coverage and is available via DARS for COVID-19 related secondary uses only.

COVID-19 – Notice under Regulation 3(4) of the Health Service Control of Patient Information Regulations 2002

COVID-19 Public Inquiry: Privacy Notice for NHS England staff

Data, Insights and Statistics (DIS) customer survey

The Data, Insights and Statistics (DIS) customer satisfaction survey holds customer contact details, where people choose to provide them. This helps us respond directly to those customers.

Data Access Request Service (DARS) online

The Data Access Request Service (DARS) works with clinicians, researchers and commissioners who apply to use data to help improve NHS services.

Data Alliance Partnership Board (DAPB) mailing list

This mailing list includes details of customers who have asked to receive notifications about Data Alliance Partnership Board (DAPB) assurance and publication activity.oard (DAPB) assurance and publication activity.

Data analytics

How we use de-identified personal data to support our Purpose: 'To lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all'.

Data Dictionary For Care (DD4C)

List of approved clinical coders and auditors.

Data Security and Protection Toolkit

Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) account details contain individual names, email addresses and telephone numbers. This is for audit data for DSPT transactions and to support NHS England services as relevant.

Data services for commissioners

Commissioning is the process of planning, agreeing and monitoring health services.

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Acute

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) process GP and NHS trust data in regional centres under strict access and handling rules, operating within the legal powers set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Ambulance

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) process health data in regional centres, with staff operating under strict access controls and within the legal powers set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Community

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Demand for service

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Diagnostic services

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Emergency care

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Experience, quality and outcomes

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Faster Data Flows Acute Data Set

To support recovery and reduce elective waiting times, NHS England collects timely, high quality patient level data. The data can be accessed and owned throughout the national to local delivery chain and across the whole patient pathway.

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Mental health

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Population data

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Primary care services

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) - Public health and screening services

Demographics Notify a Patient service

The Demographics Notify a Patient service alerts patients to changes in their record within the Personal Demographics Service (PDS). This is the national electronic database of NHS patient details, containing information such as your name, address, date of birth, NHS number, contact information and name of your GP practice. Your information may be updated in the PDS when you register with a new GP or give your healthcare provider a new phone number or email address. This happens because your provider’s IT system sends updated details to the PDS.

Dental and Orthodontic Activity Dataset

The Dental and Orthodontic Activity Dataset collects and analyses data (with personal details removed) about the care patients receive when they use NHS dental and orthodontic services. This information is used to help improve those services.

Dental Working Patterns Survey

The Dental Working Patterns Survey provides evidence to support dentists’ pay review by collecting information on working hours, NHS and private work, and morale. Survey data is linked to workforce and tax records to produce weighted, aggregated statistics on working patterns, earnings, and expenses, which inform the DDRB and survey commissioners.

Diabetic Retinopathy Eye Screening - GP2DRS

This Diabetic eye screening data is collected to support early detection of diabetic retinopathy, helping to prevent sight loss. The GP2DRS system automatically shares relevant patient information from GP practices with local screening programmes to keep registers up to date and invite eligible patients for screening. Data is used only within the screening programme.

Diagnostic Imaging Data Set (DIDS)

The Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DIDS) provides nationally consistent, person based information on imaging activity to support secondary uses such as monitoring access, quality of care, trends, and outcomes. The data can be linked with other data sets, including cancer registrations, and may support future care related or research use cases under separate governance.

Digital Child Health (DCH)

NHS England uses the National Events Management Service (NEMS) to share relevant health and care event messages with care providers who subscribe to NEMS. This helps support the Healthy Child Programme and improves the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Directory of Services (DoS)

This is a list of authorised users of the Directory of Services (DoS).

Display Screen Equipment Assessment Service

HR manages this list to provide staff with a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment service. With the employee’s consent, the service carries out DSE assessments when requested by the Workplace Adjustments team. This ensures we meet regulatory requirements and helps prevent injuries linked to computer use.

Domain Name System (DNS) contacts

The Domain Name System (DNS) team supports operators by moving servers and services to new IP addresses without impacting users. DNS names are retained, and we hold a limited amount of customer information to support this service.

DSCRO – other data not elsewhere classified

Data Services for Commissioners Regional Offices (DSCRO) process health data in regional centres. We handle data under strict access rules and within the legal framework of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) for Wales

This Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) securely transmits prescription information between prescribing systems (such as GP systems) and dispensing systems (such as pharmacy systems) in Wales.

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) in England

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) securely transfers prescription information between prescribing and dispensing systems in England via the NHS Spine. Authorised users can issue, track, and dispense prescriptions, record or update pharmacy nominations, Patients can access digital prescriptions through the NHS App, with data held securely in the cloud.

Emergency Care Data Set (ECDS)

This data set holds data and analyses of emergency care activity across England for monitoring and improving health and care services.

Enterprise Service management platform

This platform holds user details to enable efficient logging and management of incidents and service requests within the NHS England Enterprise Service management platform. This ensures appropriate access and communications with users. .

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in Health and Care Research Pilot

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Research Pilot holds data collected from publicly funded health and social care organisations to identify and address demographic inequalities in research participation. This data informs the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) policy, strategy, and reporting.

Estates and Facilities Management (EFM) extranet data

The Estates and Facilities Management (EFM) extranet holds basic contact and organisation details of registered users. This enables users to submit data and access reports for various estates and facilities data collections.

Estates security systems access control

This data is held to enable staff to securely gain entry to NHS England buildings. It records transactions associated with personal ID cards to maintain effective security at NHS England. The data can only be accessed by authorised individuals.

Evaluation of the Rapid Diagnostic Centres

Rapid Diagnostic Centres (RDCs) are designed to speed up diagnosis of cancer and other serious conditions.

Evaluation of the Targeted Lung Health Check programme

The targeted lung health check (TLHC) programme aims to improve early diagnosis and survival for those diagnosed with cancer.

Federated Data Platform privacy notice

This privacy notice provides information about the processing of personal data in the NHS Federated Data Platform.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) enhanced dataset

Collection of data on women and girls who have experienced or are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This improves NHS support and helps plan current and future local services.

Flu jab database

Data is collected to help manage the corporate flu jab voucher scheme.

Front Door Service (FDS)

This list includes the personal mobile numbers of NHS England Front Door Service (FDS) team members. They share these numbers voluntarily, and the list is kept as part of the service’s Business Continuity Plan.

General Practice Appointments Data (GPAD)

The GP Appointments Data (GPAD) collection was introduced to improve understanding of appointments delivered through general practice and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). It helps provide insight into primary care capacity and demand, particularly during winter and holiday periods when NHS services are under more pressure and there is less data available on primary care activity than for secondary care.

General Practice Pay Transparency

General practice pay transparency was introduced into the GP Contract Regulations in October 2021. Although the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) delayed implementation, the data collection has resumed, starting with 2021/22 NHS earnings.

General Practice Workforce Minimum Dataset (GP-wMDS)

The GP Workforce Minimum Data Set (GP wMDS) collects information on staff working in general practices in England to provide a central source of workforce data. This data supports data quality improvements, workforce planning, policy development, monitoring targets, and the publication of statistics. Access is managed through Data Access Request Service (DARS) and appropriate independent oversight.

GP and Dental Data Sets for Earnings and Expenses Estimates

The GP and Dental Earnings and Expenses Estimates are official statistics publications produced by NHS England’s Primary Care Workforce team. The figures provide earnings and expenses data for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

GP Connect

GP Connect is a direct care service that allows authorised health and care professionals to access patient information held by GP practices. Access requests are logged via the Spine Security Proxy, with data used for managing the health and care system and service.

Guardianship under the Mental Health Act 1983

This collection relates to patients aged 16 and over who are subject to Guardianship under Sections 7 or 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983. It includes all Guardianship cases that were open at the start of the reporting period, as well as any new cases opened during that time. The collection also records when cases closed during the reporting period and whether the Guardianship order was made under Section 7 or 37 of the Act.

Health and Growth Accelerator Programme national evaluation

The Health and Growth Accelerator (HGA) Programme tests the effectiveness of health interventions in supporting people back into work or keeping them in work.

Health and justice

NHS England is responsible for the routine commissioning of health and justice services.

Why and how we process complaints within the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN), and your rights.

The Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) connection agreement sets out requirements for customers using the HSCN service. It processes a small amount of personal data needed to provide and support the service.

Why and how connectivity procurement data is used within Health and Social Care Network (HSCN), and your rights.

The Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) programme holds information about customers that use, or are considering using, HSCN services. This information is used to support discussions about HSCN services, implementation of new services, incident management, migration and exit activities, and funding arrangements.

Why and how we process your data in the EIDER system, and your rights.

The Domain Name System (DNS) team supports operators by moving servers and services to different internet protocol (IP) addresses, without affecting users' access to services. As part of this work, a small amount of customer information may be held to support this service.

The Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) enables secure information sharing across health and social care organisations. Network Analytics Services (NAS) monitor the network to detect new or unusual activity across HSCN services.

Why and how we use data within the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) Network Monitoring Service, and your rights.

Why and how we manage procurement and migration activity for the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN), and your rights.

Why and how we manage the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) and associated supply chain data, and your rights.

Why and how we process trust funding application data used within Health and Social Care Network (HSCN), and your rights.

Health care professionals

How we process personal data about the health professionals that we have responsibility for.

Health needs assessment for patients with Thalassaemia

Health Survey for England survey

The Health Survey for England is an annual survey that collects information about people’s health and lifestyle. The data is processed to monitor policy and improve health and social care services in England.

HES IAPT bridging file

Why and how we use your data within the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Improving Access to Physiological Therapies (IAPT) Bridging File.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) contains administrative and clinical information collected from NHS funded hospital providers. It is used by NHS England to monitor hospital activity, improve health and care services, support commissioners and providers, and produce statistical publications.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Death Registration Data (DRD) combined dataset

Why and how your data is used within the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Death Registration Data (DRD) combined data set, and your rights.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID) Bridging File

The Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID) contains information about diagnostic imaging, including details such as radiation exposure levels. The data is linked with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and cancer screening data to help monitor and improve health and care services.ID) Bridging File, and your rights.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS)

Why and how we process your data in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS), and your rights.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) combined dataset

Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROM) collects information about how effective certain treatments are. This data is combined with Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) data to monitor and improve health and care services.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

This data collection records information about patients with depression and anxiety disorders who are offered NICE approved psychological therapies. The data is used to help improve the delivery of care and treatment for these conditions.

Individual requests for funding

NHS clinicians can ask NHS England, on behalf of a patient, to fund a treatment which would not usually be provided by NHS England for that patient.

Information requests processed by operational Information Governance (IG) team

Management of requests for information under freedom of information (FOI), data protection, and environmental information legislation. This may include personal confidential information relating to staff, patient or service users.

IT skills pathway

The IT skills pathway service records personal information provided by learners and centre administrators. This information is used to help learners track their progress through courses, and enables centre administration to monitor progress and provide appropriate support.

Learning Disabilities Census

This census delivers an audit of learning disability service for people with challenging behaviour. It takes a snapshot of care provided, the number of people cared for outside their local area and the length of time they have been in residential care. This supports the Department of Health and Social Care commitments to improve care following the Winterbourne View recommendations

Learning Disabilities Data

NHS England is directed to collect aggregated data from general practices under the Learning Disabilities Observatories GPES Extract Data Collection Directions 2018. This improves understanding of the health and care of people with learning disabilities.

Legacy records

The NHS England Records Management Team is responsible for the management of closed legacy records.

Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy (MNISA) – privacy notice

Information commissioning boards (ICBs) and NHS England are working together to deliver the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocacy (MNISA) service.

Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS)

NHS England collects data for the Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) to improve outcomes for women and babies, reduce inequalities, and support service quality and commissioning.

Medical Devices and Outcomes Register

Medical device and implant information is collected from NHS and independent providers to support a national system that tracks how devices are used and how well they work. The data helps spot problems with specific devices more quickly, compare outcomes with other types of treatment, and contact patients if a device needs checking or removing.

Medical revalidation

How we process medical revalidation data.

Medication safety

Data is collected to measure the preventable harm caused by hazardous prescribing. It is also used to help measure the impact of improvements designed to reduce this harm.

Medicines Spend and Use Data

NHS England collects information from providers to help design a future standard or specification about NHS medicine spend and use. This will help organisations to improve care, understand the medicines market and manage costs.

Mental Capacity Act 2005, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

NHS England collects information from local authorities in England to track Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) activity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The data is used to produce an annual official statistics report showing active DoLS applications.

Mental Health Learning Disabilities Data Set (MHLDDS)

The Mental Health Learning Disabilities Data Set (MHLDDS) gathers information about adults using NHS funded mental health, learning disability and autism services in England. Its purpose is to support better care, reduce inequalities and improve service quality.

Mental Health Minimum Data Set (MHMDS)

The Mental Health Minimum Data Set (MHMDS) collects information about adults using NHS funded mental health services in England. Its purpose is to support better care, reduce inequalities and improve service quality.

Mental Health of Children and Young People in Great Britain Survey

The survey measures numbers and types of mental health problems in children aged 2 to 19. Its purpose is to understand the rates of different mental health problems in children and young people and how they change.

Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS)

The Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS) collects information on children, young people and adults who use NHS funded mental health, learning disability or autism services in England. It is used to improve care, reduce inequalities and support service development.

Microsoft Dynamics 365

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 customer relationship management (CRM) tool is used by NHS England to support and reply to customer enquiries.

National Audit of Pulmonary Hypertension

The collection of statistical data within England and Scotland from centres providing pulmonary hypertension services to patients to improve their care.

National Back Office (NBO) Team 4 Foxpro receipts recording system

This system records data disclosure requests to the National Back Office (NBO), to support processing and audits.

National Back Office (NBO) tracing service audit log

The audit log of National Back Office (NBO) Tracing Service requests for data disclosures received.

National Cancer Registration Dataset

Why and how we process your data in the National Cancer Registration Dataset and your rights.

National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)

The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) in England is used to monitor childhood obesity in school Reception (aged 4 to 5 years) and Year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years). It is processed to monitor and improve the management of health and care services.

National Clinical Improvement Programme (NCIP) - Theatre Data Set

NHS England collects data from operating theatres within NHS funded hospital care providers. The collection is to identify the potential of using this data to analyse hospital activity for monitoring and improving the management of health and care services.

National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID) privacy notice

How we process data for the National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database.

National Data Opt-Out

NHS England keeps a list of NHS numbers for people who have chosen not to share their confidential patient information for research and planning. This allows their records to be removed from datasets before they are used.

National Diabetes Audit data collection - England

The National Diabetes Audit (NDA) collects information about people receiving diabetes care in England so that services can compare their performance, identify gaps, follow NICE guidelines and improve outcomes.

National Diabetes Audit data collection Wales

The National Diabetes Audit (NDA) in Wales collects information about people receiving diabetes care so that services can compare performance, follow guidelines and improve outcomes.

National Disease Registration Services: Data collection and analysis

The National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) collects data on patients with, or at risk of cancer, a congenital anomaly or rare disease. The data is used by NHS clinical teams to help plan and improve treatments and healthcare in England. It also helps academics and charities with research and policy making.

National Disease Registration Services: Dissemination

National Events Management

National Events Management Service (NEMS) allows for the sharing of messages between approved health and social care organisations. NHS England collects audit data to run and monitor the service.

National Fraud Initiative (NFI)

NHS England takes part in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) to help prevent fraud and theft. It supplies payroll and creditor data to the Cabinet Office, which runs data matching checks which are then investigated by NHS England.

National Major Trauma Registry

The National Major Trauma Registry (NMTR) collects and analyses data on major trauma across England to help improve trauma care. It supports trauma units by providing performance comparisons and outcome analysis, and feeds into a national platform for reporting trauma services.

National Obesity Audit dataset

The National Obesity Audit (NOA) collects personal and health data on people living with weight management or obesity issues to assess how well weight management services are performing. It supports benchmarking, guides policy and helps improve outcomes.

National Record Locator (NRL)

The National Record Locator (NRL) lets authorised health and care staff see where a patient’s records are held so they can request them when needed for care.

National Registration / Health Manual Records for merchant seamen

This list is held so that records can be traced and verified when queries are resolved about data held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS). It is also used to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests for records of merchant seamen.

National Registration / National Health manual records for passenger entrants 1939 - 1940

This list is held to trace and verify when queries are resolved about data held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS. It is also used to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests for records of passenger entrants in the years 1939 to 1940.

National Registration / National Health manual records for post 1939 dates of birth

This list is held to trace and verify when queries are resolved about data held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS). It is also used to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests for records of births post 1939.

National Registration / National Health manual records for pre 1939 dates of birth

This list is used to trace and verify when queries are resolved about data held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) and to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests for records pre 1939.

National Registration / National Health manual records for war refugees

National security vetting

This is a database of people who have been sponsored for National Security Vetting (NSV) so that we are compliant with government and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) policy and guidelines.

National Service Desk

This list is held to help National Service Desk support teams to identify and fix system issues.

National vaccination programmes

How we process data for national vaccination programmes.

National Workforce Reporting Service (NWRS) extranet data

The National Workforce Reporting Service (NWRS) collects data to understand staff capacity in the health service. Data is also used for purposes relating to staff accounts.

NHS.UK video and photography (multimedia) content

The NHS website and YouTube channel use photos and videos featuring real people, clinicians and sometimes actors to explain health topics and share experiences. This covers content on the main NHS site, but not campaign microsites like Better Health.

NHS111 online pathways dataset

The NHS111 online pathways dataset collects data to make sure the most appropriate advice is given to those seeking help.

NHS All Age Continuing Care Patient Level Data Set

The All Age Continuing Care (AACC) data set collects information on children, young people and adults receiving continuing care, from referral through to the end of their care package. Data is used to monitor performance, patient experience and outcomes, and to support improvements in NHS continuing care services.

NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Medicines Data

NHS England receives monthly medicines data from the NHS Business Services Authority to support patient safety, service planning and research.

NHS Communications Manager (NHS Notify) service

NHS Notify (formerly Communications Manager) is a service that helps NHS England send standardised messages to specific patient groups. It supports multiple channels: email, SMS, NHS App notifications and letters, including accessible formats like braille, large print, easy read and translated versions. NHS services manage their own message content and templates while the system delivers communications centrally.

NHS Continuing Health Care (CHC) Patient Level Data Set

The NHS Continuing Healthcare Patient Level Data Set (CHC PLDS) is a monthly collection covering NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS funded care for adults with a primary health need. It captures data from referral through assessment, commissioning and ongoing care.

NHS COVID-19 Data Store

How we process data for the NHS COVID-19 Data Store.

NHS Digital Care Identity Service (CIS)

Data on the NHS England Care Identity Service (CIS) list is used to manage applications to the NHS Care Records Service.

NHS Digital communications shadowing programme

This database holds details about external communication professionals at other national bodies involved in health and care, who have applied to our shadowing programme.

NHS Digital Kahootz workspaces

This is a list of approved clinical coders and auditors.

NHS DigiTrials Recruitment Service

NHS England’s NHS DigiTrials service is piloting a system that identifies eligible people for approved clinical research by analysing and linking data it already holds.

NHS England OpenSAFELY COVID-19 service - privacy notice

The NHS England OpenSAFELY COVID-19 Service is a secure, transparent, open-source software platform for analysis of electronic health data.

NHS England website

This list contains details of users who have submitted data through online forms which are sent to NHS England teams. Cookies and internet protocol (IP) information are used to improve the service provided.

NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)

The NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) holds data to manage its national online system facilitating patient referrals to and from care providers.

NHS Genomic Medicine Service: Whole Genome Sequencing

This service enables clinicians to order tests based on the analysis of their patients’ whole genome – their genetic makeup.

NHS Health Check

NHS Health Checks data is used by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities to monitor how well the Health Check programme is delivered and who is accessing it. The programme assesses disease risk in adults aged 40 to 74 and supports people to reduce that risk.

NHSmail use by NHS Digital

Why and how we process your data within NHSmail, and your rights.

NHS Pathways authoring tool

NHS Pathways is a clinical triage system used by services like 999, NHS 111 and GP out of hours to assess people and direct them to the right urgent or emergency care.

NHS Pathways intelligent data tool

The NHS Pathways Intelligent Data Tool is an online dashboard that uses real time 111 and 999 call data to give providers and commissioners business intelligence. It helps them monitor activity and develop services using up to date telephony information.ve providers and commissioners business intelligence. It helps them monitor activity and develop services using up to date telephony information.

NHS Pathways web

NHS Pathways is a clinical triage system used by services such as 999, NHS 111 and GP out of hours to assess people and direct them to the most appropriate urgent or emergency care.

NHS Secure Boundary

The NHS Secure Boundary is a cyber security service that protects NHS organisations, staff and patients from online threats by monitoring and filtering internet traffic.

NHS UK Cherwell

The NHS UK Cherwell system allows communication between support teams and users of the supported services, for example, NHS professionals, local authorities, citizens.

NHS UK photography content

This list is used to contact individuals used in NHS photographs in order to validate consent and identify photos within our database when these are requested to be removed.

NHS Wayfinder services

How we process data for the NHS Wayfinder services

Organisation Data Service (ODS)

Maintenance of the list of codes that are used to identify organisations and individuals across health and care, to support NHS and social care IT systems.

Organisation Data Service (ODS) application programming interface (API) suite

Provision of reference data to support NHS and social care IT systems.

Organisation Data Service (ODS) portal

The Organisation Data Service (ODS) portal provides a quick and easy search facility for organisation details using an organisation code.

Organisation Reference Data (ORD) Changes Project Engagement Tracker

Collection of feedback on changes in order to understand their impact and improve the service.

Organisation standards codes and reference (OSCAR)

Provision of reference data to support NHS and social care IT systems.

Our workforce

How we use personal data for employment purposes.

Out of Area Placements (OAPs) in Mental Health Services

Collection of details when patients are placed outside of their usual network of local mental health services, for acute mental health service provision. This is for monitoring and ultimately reducing the numbers of patients in inappropriate out of area placements.

Parliamentary question management system

Recording of parliamentary questions received by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England’s responses to them.

Patient Level Information Costings System (PLICS)

The Patient Level Information Costings System (PLICS) supports the Costing Transformation Programme by collecting and analysing patient level costings to improve the management of health care services. This notice only covers NHS England’s collection and use of personal data.

Patient Objections Management (POM)

Patient Objections Management (POM) data identifies patients who have opted out of their identifiable information being used for anything beyond direct care. NHS England tracks these objections and ensures that any data released has personal details removed where a type 2 objection has been made.

Patients registered with GP practices

How we process data for patients registered with GP Practices

Payment for living kidney donation

NHS England reimburses people who donate organs (living donors) in order to ensure that the financial impact on the living donor is cost neutral.

Pearn Kandola Human Resource Tools

Pearn Kandola provides HR tools that help NHS England strengthen a culture of inclusion. These include a 360 degree inclusion feedback exercise that offers personalised guidance, and an Implicit Associations Test that helps individuals understand any unconscious preference related to race. The tools support personal awareness and development.

Personal Demographics Service (PDS)

The Personal Demographic Service (PDS) is the national database containing core patient details, including name, address and NHS number. It is used to verify identity, link care records, support patient communication and enable NHS service management. It is hosted in the cloud to improve integration across health and care organisations.

Personalised Prevention Services (PPS) Talking Therapies

How we process data for the Personalised Prevention Services (PPS) Talking Therapies

Physical Health Checks for People with Severe Mental Illness (PHSMI)

The Physical Health Checks for People with Severe Mental Illness( PHSMI) data set tracks physical health checks for people with severe mental illness. It uses GP extracted data to monitor delivery of full health checks, uptake of follow-up interventions and cancer screening access. It identifies gaps and inequalities, informs quality improvement, enables national programme evaluation and supports research through the NHS England Data Access Request Service (DARS).

Post-COVID Assessment Clinic Patient List Data Set

This dataset is used to monitor and evaluate post COVID assessment services. It tracks outcomes for patients with long COVID who need specialist care, and supports improvements in service delivery, including access, impact and reducing inequalities. It also feeds into monthly anonymous statistical reports and dashboards.

Primary care commissioning

How we process data for primary care commissioning

Primary Care Support England

NHS England has a contract with Primary Care Support England to provide services as a data processor.

Profile Information Management System (PIMS)

The Profile Information Management System (PIMS) allows authorised staff in health and care settings to enter and update service information published on NHS.UK and shared with third parties. To gain editing access, staff must contact the NHS.UK service desk and provide their name, email, organisation and job title.

Providing online consultation services

How we process data for online consultation services

Public and partners

How we process personal data when you contact us or work with us.

Public health

How we process public health data.

Qualtrics online survey tool

NHS England gathers feedback from users of its products and services to better understand user needs, assess service and product performance. This insight helps inform future service changes and product roadmaps, enabling NHS England to deliver more effective support to the health and care system in England.

Quest Archive Manager (QAM)

Assists in the long-term archiving of corporate emails.

Radiotherapy dataset (RTDS)

Why and how we process your data in the Radiotherapy dataset (RTDS) and your rights.

Rapid Cancer Registration Data Set

Why and how we process your data in the Rapid Cancer Registration Data Set and your rights.

Reasonable Adjustment Flag

The Reasonable Adjustment Flag is a national record on the NHS Spine that indicates when a person requires reasonable adjustments and may include details of relevant impairments and key adjustments that should be considered. It is created by the individual’s care team and accessed through the National Care Record Service (NCRS) or integrated clinical systems. The information is held on the cloud to support better integration across health and care organisations.

Records for persons entering England or Wales from Northern Ireland

These records can be traced and verified when queries are resolved about data held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) and to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests.

Records for persons entering England or Wales from the Channel Islands

These records can be traced and verified when queries are resolved about data held in the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) and to process National Back Office (NBO) tracing requests.

Request Submission Portal (RSP) for Terminology and Classifications

Maintenance and updating of a list of approved clinical coders and auditors.

Respond to an NHS cyber alert (formerly CareCERT collect)

Cyber and data security services rely on collecting limited operational data to protect the health and care system. This includes internet protocol (IP) information for non intrusive vulnerability scanning, user contact details for sharing IP scan results or other cyber issues, senior risk owner (SIRO) details for escalation, and threat intelligence to prioritise support during incidents. The data also helps determine the scope of any cyber incident.

Safeguarding

How we process safeguarding data.

Safety and quality

How we process personal data for safety and quality purposes.

Secondary Care Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (ePMA)

NHS England collects identifiable patient level data for medicines prescribed and administered by hospitals and other secondary care providers in England through ePMA. This information is used to check and improve data quality and provide feedback reports to organisations that submit the data. It may also be shared with approved NHS organisations or organisations commissioned by the NHS to support healthcare planning and commissioning.

Secondary dental care

How we process data for secondary dental care

Secondary Uses Service (SUS)+ data

The Secondary Uses Service (SUS +) collects health care data required by hospitals. This information is used for health care planning, supporting payments, commissioning policy development and research.

Service Bridge Communications Tool

Names and telephone numbers of NHS users, NHS staff and suppliers are stored. This is for the purpose of sending out communications about high severity service incidents and transition communications.

Service Management Cherwell 9.1.1

Details are held to ensure users can log incidents and service requests into the Cherwell system, receive updates, and access calls which are relevant to their role. Internal staff also have details in the system to support progressing and resolving issues efficiently.

Service Management Toolkit

To help support teams identify and fix system issues.

Single Sign On (SSO)

Provides a single sign on (SSO) service for a range of NHS England external facing systems, making it easier for health and care professionals to use the services they need.

Specialised commissioning

How we process data for specialised commissioning

Summary Care Record (SCR)

The Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic record of key patient information from GP records. It can be accessed by authorised health and care staff involved in direct care. The information is securely stored in the cloud to support better integration across health and care organisations.

Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI) data

Provision of national statistics on mortality rates across hospital trusts.

Surgical Devices and Implants Register

Surgical device and implant data is collected to support patient care, safety and service improvement. The data collected includes patient details, the procedure performed, devices used, and post operative outcomes.

Survey of Carers in Households in England

The Carers in Households survey measures how many non professional carers aged 16 and over live in England. It gathers information about who they are, how caring affects their lives, and what support they receive. The data is used to help monitor and improve health and care services.

Survey of Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Pupils 2023

The survey collects data on smoking, drinking and drug use among school pupils aged between 11 and 15. National prevalence estimates are produced on the number of pupils who drink alcohol, smoke or take illicit drugs.

Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT)

The data is analysed, sometimes alongside other health or population data, to understand the impact and risks of COVID-19 and to help manage the national response. NHS England and authorised external organisations can use this data for these purposes through the Data Access Request Service (DARS).

Teams under pressure

How we process data for Teams under pressure

Technology Reference data Update Distribution (TRUD)

We maintain a list of approved clinical coding trainers and auditors.

Tell the NHS about coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations you've had abroad service

Your information is used to confirm your identity, contact you, and arrange your overseas vaccine evidence check appointment. It also helps staff find your booking details at the vaccination centre. Some of the data is used (with personal details removed) to track how many people use the service and how many miss their appointments.

Terminology and Classifications

We maintain a list of approved clinical coding trainers and auditors.

Terminology and Classifications delivery service distribution lists

List of people who subscribe to the terminology and classifications delivery service distribution list.

Terminology Server

NHS England collects the minimum information needed to create and manage accounts for access to the Terminology Server. This service provides access to the codes used to support the management of health and care services.

Those taking part in the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service for people attending Emergency and Urgent Care with a minor illness

Consultation service for people who have attended urgent or emergency care with a minor illness

Those taking part in the Pancreatic Cancer Case Finding Pilot

This pilot is aims to increase the number of eligible people referred from primary care for investigation of pancreatic cancer.

Tobacco Dependence Programme Patient Level Data Collection

NHS England collects and analyses information about patients who use NHS-funded tobacco treatment services in England. Personal details are removed as soon as the data is received. The data may be linked with other NHS England data to assess how effective these services are and how they help reduce health inequalities. The results are then published as anonymous, summary dashboards. These help monitor performance, share good practice, and improve understanding of what works to help people stop smoking.

Training Quality Improvement (TQI) contacts database

Provision of information is used to provide training information to colleagues in the NHS, deliver our services and share updates about our products.

UK Genetics Testing Network (UKGTN) data

Use of personal data in our corporate email communications

The corporate communications team uses the GovDelivery platform to send bulk emails across the health and care system, helping people stay informed about products, services, and new data or digital standards. They maintain targeted email lists and ask recipients for basic details so messages can be tailored to different roles. They also track how emails are used (such as open rates and link clicks), via web beacons to improve future communications.

User Zoom

The information is used to test and improve digital services and products through user research and feedback. Remote usability testing helps assess how people use digital products, understand user experience and ensure services are well designed and fit for purpose.

VMware AirWatch

Information is used to manage corporate mobile devices, identify devices and users, and help locate devices if they are lost or stolen. The data obtained includes username, device details, phone number, and location data.

Vulnerability Monitoring Service (VMS)

NHS organisations can use the Vulnerability Monitoring Service (VMS) provided by NHS England’s Cyber Operations team to identify security weaknesses in their public facing IP addresses. Authorised staff receive reports so they can address any issues identified, and NHS England’s Cyber Operations team uses these reports to monitor and strengthen cyber security across the NHS.

Websense

Usernames and internet protocol (IP) address are collected to monitor potential breaches in network security and employee policy whilst accessing external websites.

What About YOUth? Survey

The What About YOUth? survey records local authority level data on a range of behaviours amongst 15 year olds. The data is used to help monitor and improve health and care services.

Workforce Minimum Data Set (wMDS)

The Workforce Information Architecture (WIA) sets out the need for workforce planning, education and training to be supported by accurate, complete and timely workforce information. The WIA established arrangements to ensure workforce information is collected once and used many times, supported by suitable governance arrangements.