The following services are available across the Path to Live environments.
Spine Core messaging and Spine Core applications
The Spine Core service provides a messaging service that allows certified endpoint message handling systems to query and update data held in the national systems.
The Spine Core system also supports the e-RS national system by providing a messaging interface between e-RS and referrers and providers. Also included in the Spine Core service are the Graphic User Interface (GUI) based Summary Care Record application (SCRa) and Demographic Spine Application (DSA). These allow Spine Core data to be accessed and/or updated without a messaging interface.
The SCRa application also allows access to some specialist data such as migrants and visitors.
Spine Mini Service Provider
Spine Mini Service Provider provides a simple interface to local systems for demographic messaging, allowing quick recovery of details without the requirements of full integration. Messaging functionality is limited to queries.
Spine Secure Proxy
The Spine Secure Proxy provides an access control layer required by certain programs where patient data may be made accessible to certified users and systems.
Message Exchange for Social Care and Health (MESH)
The Message Exchange for Social Care and Health (MESH) provides a workflow based data transfer service that allows registered users to exchange data between secure mailboxes. It is used to support services such as the transfer of Pathology data between labs and hospitals and electronic discharge notes to community medical teams for patients leaving hospital care.
Care Identity Service (CIS)
The Care Identity Service (CIS) controls user access to data held in the national systems. Users access is via a smartcard and uses Role Based Access Control (RBAC). Both smartcards and Access control are managed within the CIS application. Certification and management of message handling systems is also managed within the CIS application.
NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)
The NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) allows patients to book a choice of available hospital or clinic appointments based on the patients preference. Patients can book their appointments in the GP surgery at the point of referral, or later at home, on the phone or online.
NHS e-Referral Service Application Programming Interface (e-RS API)
The NHS e-Referral Service API system allows patient systems to perform clinical actions within the e-RS application via an external API interface. These APIs can be configured by the user community and submitted for approval by NHS Digital. More information on the e-RS API Service and useful starting information is available.