NHS Number communications toolkit
The NHS Number communication toolkit is designed to offer guidance and best practice examples for NHS Number public awareness activities. The toolkit includes the files of current NHS Number information materials and high level best practice case studies of awareness campaigns carried out independently by Primary Care Trusts. Also, information on project timelines, realised benefits and recommendations for future awareness campaigns. Other resources are also available such as letters from successful campaigns that can be used as templates. Please be aware that this toolkit is currently under development and more resources and information will be added shortly.
NHS Number communication resources
The NHS Number communication materials previously available to order on the Resources page of this website are no longer available to order in hard copy. They were supplied by NHS Connecting for Health in order to support awareness of the NHS Number with staff across care settings; they were not intended to be ordered to supply a public awareness campaign. Updated leaflets and posters are now available for download only, through the Communications toolkit on this page. Alternatively, you can download the print files to arrange local production and printing of the leaflets and posters. Please note that hard copies of the NHS Number for babies leaflet is available to order as before through the Resources page on the website.
We are currently working with the NHS Number and Communications Leads in each SHA to provide additional support and materials. Updates about the support and materials available will be posted on this website.
NHS Number Leaflets and FAQs
Below are the current information leaflets available for both patients and staff on the NHS Number programme. The web versions of these leaflets are downloadable, whereas the print versions can be locally printed to support of any communications activities your organisation is undertaking.
Information for staff
4433 - download version of staff information leaflet (PDF, 1.9Mb)
4433 - download the print version of staff information leaflet (PDF, 3.2Mb)
Frequently asked questions for staff (PDF, 32Kb)
Information for patients
The NHS Number patient information leaflet (ref 4249) has a space on the reverse of the leaflet to include the NHS Number. Organisations can print out a patients NHS Number and Demographic details on sticky labels and place in the space provided.
The NHS Number Patient Information Leaflet provides information on how to find your NHS Number and has space on the reverse of the leaflet to include the NHS Number.
4249 - download version of patient information leaflet (PDF, 736Kb)
4249 - download the print version of patient information leaflet (PDF, 1.4Mb)
4369 - download version of the baby leaflet (PDF, 1.3Mb)
4369 - download the print version of the baby leaflet (PDF, 2.1Mb)
Frequently asked questions (PDF, 56Kb)
NHS Number Presentation
A generic informative presentation. This includes an overview of the development of the Operational Information Standards for the use of the NHS Number in care settings and provides background and current work of the NHS Number Programme.
NHS number presentation (PowerPoint, 1.7Mb)
NHS Number Poster
Staff facing poster
A3 - 4562 print version (PDF, 103Kb)
A3 - 4562 web version (PDF, 68Kb)
A4 - 4561 print version (PDF, 101Kb)
A4 - 4561 web version (PDF, 67Kb)
Patient facing poster
A3 - 4481 print version (PDF, 103Kb)
A3 - 4481 web version (PDF, 68Kb)
A4 - 4557 print version (PDF, 101Kb)
A4 - 4557 web version (PDF, 67Kb)
Case Studies
This section contains documents from organisations who have carried out NHS Number public awareness campaigns. The case studies contain high level project overviews, example of best practice, timeframes and recommendations for future NHS Number public awareness campaigns.
NHS Number Public Awareness Campaign (NNPAC)
NNPAC was a collaborative project carried out between North Tees PCTs, DH and CFH NHS Number Programme. This 6 month project tested whether a direct mail approach is a suitable methodology for building awareness among the public of their NHS Number.
The overall objective of this pilot project was to test whether a direct mail approach (at a PCT level), is a suitable methodology for building awareness among the public of their NHS Number. The pack contains information
NHS Number Public Awareness Campaign (NNPAC) (PDF, 294Kb)
These are templates of the letters used for this pilot project:
North Tees PCT Patient Letter (PDF, 444Kb)
North Tees Parent Guardian letter (PDF, 208Kb)
North East Essex (NEE)
The North East Essex public awareness campaign was instigated to support complete adoption of the NHS Number as detailed in the NHS Number Operation Information Standards.
NEE version of an NHS Number Card (PDF, 53Kb).
NEE locally adapted NHS Number leaflet (PDF, 1.5Mb).
Additional template communication materials
Other organisations have carried out NHS Number public awareness. Templates of these materials are below.
NHS Coventry patient letter (PDF, 227Kb)
NHS Coventry patient letter 2 (PDF, 227Kb)
