CfH awards BT contract to replace NSTS

A new service developed by BT, called the Demographics Batch Service (DBS) is set to replace the NHS Strategic Tracing Service (NSTS) batch trace in summer 2008. 

The new system will provide access to the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) for all trusts using legacy systems not already linked to the PDS.

Ultimately it will be replaced by new systems delivered by local service providers which will be fully integrated with the PDS.

BT’s programme manager for the NHS Spine, Jason Beresford, told E-Health Insider: “We’re looking to take some of the file input done already on the PDS and put that process through the spine. This can be done already using HL7 compliant messages, but the aim is to get all the patient administration systems to be able to collect demographic non-clinical data and create a master copy on the central system.”

Beresford added: “Connecting for Health are committed to supporting the spine and this new service means it is necessary to slowly switch off legacy systems and eventually move to the new PASs. They are trying to point everyone to the spine system, so that it can be the true master of data in the long term.”

The PDS currently holds demographic details for all patients, uniquely identified through their NHS number. It does not hold clinical or sensitive data, but enables rapid identification of a patient with correct medical details.

The Demographics Batch Service (DBS) will enable users to submit and receive a file containing relevant patient records electronically using dedicated client software.

Patient records in the file can then be matched with the PDS and returned to the user, with the DBS able to match over 1.1m records a day.

Beresford said: “End users will not really see any difference. The DBS will utilise existing records and help the PDS to become the true master. Trusts should experience cost savings as they can retire legacy systems, and once in place, we can move data about people across the spine with ease.”

Demographic data will only be provided when exact matches are found, and users will not be able to browse the PDS.

Strict security measures will also be in place to ensure that the system is not misused in anyway; data is restricted to NHS number, name, address, GP name and GP address.

BT is now finalising the system and say it is near the end of its build. They have been testing it with the spine, which the company also manages.

The next step will be to take the DBS to CfH for ‘sandpit environment’ testing with the local service providers and existing systems providers.

The DBS will be delivered as part of an upgrade to the Spine, due in summer 2008. NSTS users will need to migrate to the new service before the contract expires on 31 December 2008.

It will remain in place until 2013 when it is due to be replaced by LSP systems fully integrated with the PDS.

The service is being delivered as part of the NHS Care Records Service Summary Care Record Programme (Demographics).