Through simply adding an NHS Number bar-coded wristband to every in-patient in a hospital, we can greatly increase the positive identification of patients before, during and after care.

We can also enable the cross referencing to treatment and access directly to patient records.

This is why NHS CFH has been working with the NPSA and GS1 to have safer practice note 24 published. This stated that by September 18 2009 all trusts should have taken action towards using the NHS number bar code on patient wristbands. The SPN can be found on the NPSA wristband.

The standard for encoding the NHS number is ratified by the information standards board and backed by NPSA Chief Executive Officer, Martin Fletcher.

Through working with the agencies and the NHS Number programme, holding workshops and collaborating with the procurement hubs and the OGC we have enabled large adoption of the wristband technologies.

Framework agreements for purchasing wristband solution are available through the OGC and the procurement hubs and application guidelines and use cases are available through GS1 membership.