Background to N3 - The National Network
N3 is the name for the National Network, which replaces the private NHS communications network NHSnet. N3 provides fast, broadband networking services to the NHS offering reliability and value for money.
N3 will be as important to the NHS as road and rail networks are to our daily lives. The new, high speed network will make it possible to deliver the reforms and new services needed to improve patient care, such as:
- Choose and Book
- Electronic Prescription Service
- NHS Care Records Service
- Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (the transfer of digital images such as X-rays and scans)
N3 is vital to the delivery of the National Programme for IT, providing the essential technical infrastructure through which the benefits to patients, clinicians and the NHS from NPfIT can be realised.
N3 supports several Government policies and initiatives, including modernising public services and creating a knowledge economy based on Information and Communications Technology.
It follows recommendations made in e-Gif Government Interoperability Framework. N3 is an integral part of the NHS Plan (PDF, 64Kb).
