NHS number
Published on: 16th February 2016 | Updated on: 1st September 2022
The NHS number is the unique patient identifier in operation in the NHS. It is used to efficiently share patient information across and within organisations.
It is composed of ten digits: e.g. 943 476 5919
Safe care of patients relies on the information held by health and care providers being particular to the individual person; use of the NHS number ensure that people can be uniquely identified.
Pharmacy teams use the NHS number to:
- efficiently and accurately link patients with records, reducing the risk of confusing two people’s records;
- receive electronic prescription messages (EPS);
- identify patients when communicating with other health and social care organisations; and
- use the Patient Demographics Service (PDS).
The NHS website ‘Find my NHS number’ service is now live to help patients find their NHS number. This service is for anyone living in England who has forgotten or does not know their NHS number. You can also use this service on behalf of someone else where the name, date of birth and registered home postcode is known. You can opt for the number to be sent to you by text, email or letter.
The general principles of the NHS number standards outlined by HSCIC are:
| NHS number principles | Explanation |
| Find It | Find the NHS number early during the care pathway – ideally on initial contact. |
| Use It | Use it to associate care and treatment to that person’s PMR record. The NHS number can be used on documents and reports relating to that person. |
| Share It | Share the NHS number with other organisations where needed; including within paper/electronic documents. |
Q. Who has an NHS number?
A. Almost every patient in England and Wales. The NHS number is used across England, Wales and the Isle of Man. Since 2002, each person born in these areas has been issued with a number. In addition anyone who has ever been registered at a GP practice in these areas will have an NHS number.
If you cannot find a person’s NHS number it is more likely that they have not been identified correctly, rather than because they do not have an NHS number.
Q. How can I find a patient’s NHS number?
A. Community pharmacy teams can find a patient’s NHS number by looking the patient up on the Personal Demographics Service (PDS); see Finding patient records on the PDS for further information.
Q. How can patients’ find their NHS number?
A. One method is by loggining into their NHS App or NHS account. The NHS number is displayed prominently within the NHS account / NHS App.
Further info
Read more at:
- NHS number (NHS Digital)
Return to the Pharmacy IT hub; NHS IT systems or IT a-z index
