Your NHS Number is unique to
you and by using it correctly it is an important step towards improving the
safety of your healthcare.
If you know your NHS Number,
or can show your medical card, you can help healthcare staff find and share your
records more easily and safely with others who are caring for you.
As an added safety measure,
you can start checking the things we send you to make sure that we have the
right NHS Number for you.
How do you find out what your NHS
Number is?
Everyone registered with the
NHS in England and Wales has their
own unique NHS Number. Your NHS Number is printed on your medical card given to
you when you register with a GP practice. Each NHS Number is made up of 10
digits shown in the following way:
- 450 557 7104 – Example only
If you have an old style
number (made up of letters and numbers) and want to know your new one then
please follow the steps below. Having an old style number will not affect your
care.
To find out your NHS Number
you can contact your GP practice and ask them to look it up for you. To protect
your privacy they will ask you to show some proof of who you are – examples: passport
or driving licence.
If you are not currently
registered with a GP practice but think you already have an NHS Number you can
ask your local primary care trust (PCT).
To find out the telephone
number for your nearest PCT visit
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx - Select ‘NHS trusts’ and enter your
postcode.
Alternatively call NHS
Direct on 0845 4647 to find your local PCT.
If you have never registered
with a GP practice you will not have an NHS Number.
Visiting this country?
If you are visiting the
country for less than three months you will not be given a permanent NHS
Number.
More information on overseas
visitors using the NHS is available at:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/index.htm
If you have recently had a baby
Babies born in hospital in England and Wales are given an NHS Numbers soon
after birth.
If your baby was born at
home you will receive and NHS Number when you register your baby’s birth.
Is my NHS Number the same as my
National Insurance (NI) Number?
No. They are different. Your
NI Number is used for tax and pensions. If you have any questions about your NI
Number contact the office of the Department of Work and Pensions. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk.
