ODS ORD API implementation guide

June 2019

ODS ORD API synchroniser demonstrator.

Hosting Organisation Reference Data via an API is a step increase in service for all ORD consumers.  Consumers can access the data at their convenience rather than being tied in to fixed release schedules.  The data hosted within the service is updated daily directly from the ODS team and is available to all users and is accessible to any browser or REST client via the internet.  Users can baseline using XML products and read updates direct from the ORD API or use the service for Ad hoc queries using the search facility documented within these pages.

The API can be called using a REST client such as Postman or by building a custom REST client.

Please note that the IP address for the API is dynamic and it is advised that firewalls are configured using the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) of the service –  directory.spineservices.nhs.uk.

This Implementation Guide details the ODS ORD API, which is designed to be compatible with the Organisation Reference Data information standard (DCB0090). This API contains the full record from ODS.

A glossary specific to the Health & Social Care Organisation Reference Data (HSCOrgRefData) XML schema can be found within Appendix 1 of the data item catalogue.

All supporting products relating to XML Organisation Data (including the XML Schema, Interactive Object Model and Technical Specification) can be found within these ODS pages.

For technical queries regarding the ODS API Suite, or general queries regarding ODS data, please contact [email protected].