What is an NHS Number and why does it exist?
Any patient registered in England, Wales or the Isle of Man will have their own NHS number which is unique to them.
Each patient's NHS number is made up of 10 digits and is easily identifiable as it is composed in a 3-3-4 format e.g. 123 456 7890.
The main use of the NHS number is to help organisations across all care settings to...
- identify the correct patient
- ensure that information is shared
- ensure that healthcare is given safely and accurately to that patient
The NHS now requires patient records to be accessible, transferable and operable between NHS organisations.
The use of the NHS number is critical to ensure that all records are kept up to date even when a patient moves between organisations.
You can find out your NHS number by contacting the surgery, it will also be noted on surgery correspondence and on your repeat prescription slip.