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Part of National data opt-out operational policy guidance document

Appendix 4:Changes to NHS number

The National Back Office (NBO) provides a national data quality service and is responsible for the management of NHS numbers and Personal Demographics Service records. 

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Summary

The National Back Office (NBO) provides a national data quality service and is responsible for the management of NHS numbers and Personal Demographics Service records. 

A4.1: Duplicates and confusions

In the event of duplications or confusions national data opt-outs will automatically be applied to the correct patient wherever possible.  In the event that it is not possible to assign the opt-out to the correct patient automatically NHS Digital will write to the individuals affected.

For further information please see NHS Digital Data Quality Incidents.

A4.2: Assigning new NHS Numbers

In instances where individuals are allocated a new NHS number any existing national data opt-out will not automatically be transferred to the new record. This will include the following:

  • adoptions
  • gender reassignment
  • identity protection

Instead such individuals will receive a letter informing them of the national data opt-out to ensure that they understand their options either via NHS Digital or the individual who is handling their case.

Last edited: 18 June 2019 2:18 pm

Previous Chapter

Appendix 3: Rationale and supporting information

Next Chapter

Appendix 5: Information required by law or court order

Chapters

  1. National data opt-out operational policy guidance document
  2. 1: Introduction
  3. 2: What are national data opt-outs?
  4. 3. Setting an opt-out
  5. 4. Which organisations does the opt-out apply to?
  6. 5. When does a national data opt-out apply?
  7. 6. When does a national data opt-out not apply?
  8. 7. Policy considerations for specific organisations or purposes
  9. 8. Applying the national data opt-out
  10. 9. Analysis of national data opt-outs
  11. 10. Compliance with the national data opt-out
  12. 11. Further information
  13. Appendix 1: Abbreviations
  14. Appendix 2: Definitions
  15. Appendix 3: Rationale and supporting information
  16. Appendix 4:Changes to NHS number
  17. Appendix 5: Information required by law or court order
  18. Appendix 6: Confidential Patient Information (CPI) definition
  19. Appendix 7: External review of the national data opt-out policy