nhs.net mail accounts

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Gary Cheung Posted: Mon, Oct 12 2009 23:14

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Anyone got any hints on making .nhs.net accounts work?

I'm going to have to make the switch soon & am dreading it based on the horror stories from other users

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Anne Emmett replied on Tue, Oct 13 2009 9:01

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Hi Gary - I had to get an nhs.net account in previous post as sending identifiable information. Moved it very easily when I changed jobs. Also have a local email account and I just redirect all my NHS account stuff to my local outlook, then go into NHSMail once a fortnight and clear out my NHS account emails, checking none have 'forgotten' to forward. Works well. Hopefully I've attached our local instructions on how to get nhs.net to work in Outlook.

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Daniel Rae replied on Tue, Oct 13 2009 9:09

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Interesting - I've always been curious about the difference between the "nhs.net" emails and the standard "trust" email addresses. What are the benefits of the NHSMail accounts and why do only some people have them?

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Anne Emmett replied on Tue, Oct 13 2009 9:18

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Anyone working in the NHS can have an nhs.net account, and must have one if sending any identifiable/sensitive information. This is because the nhs.net account server is a secure server between all NHS locations (and the Private health sector too if the person concerned logs on with their NHS account), so confidentiality of electronic patient records is maintained.

Individual Trust NHS accounts may not be secure outside their local server, so confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Even different servers on the same nhs site e.g. a hospital account and a university account cannot be guaranteed secure.

NHS net does not have the functionality of a standard Outlook account yet, but they are working on it. One benefit is that an NHS.net account is for life... or for however long you do your pennance in the NHS, so if you move you can take it with you. The disadvantage, if you are so inclined, is you can access your emails anywhere!

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Steven Bell replied on Wed, Oct 14 2009 9:58

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Daniel, nhs.net addresses are available to all NHS employees, you can self register on the main page, and if your names not on the list, the local NHS IT dept should be able to add you on.

The main benefit is that it can be used anywhere in the UK from a web browser and its the only mail system certified secure for sending confidential information in the NHS. Its also got a browsable directory of all people who have an nhs mail address, and you can send SMS and fax messages for free

Steven

NHSGGC

IT Applications Team

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Daniel Rae replied on Tue, Oct 20 2009 10:01

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Great - thanks for the explanation!

I'm guessing the nhs.net accounts are in a way, similar to the GSX accounts that local and gcentral government use, or PNN accounts that police forces use for secure communication.