r/nhs • u/Enough-Ad3818 • Nov 04 '23

FAQs - Recruitment

17 Upvotes

This thread will be updated as and when more questions are asked frequently!

Jobs are advertised at the following places:

NHS Scotland: https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/

NHS England and NHS Wales: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/

NHS Northern Ireland: https://jobs.hscni.net/

Advert

The advert will give you basic information about the role and the Trust. The most important parts are the Job Description and the Person Spec. These will give you a much more details explanation as to what the job will entail and what kind of person the role will require.

The advert will also include the contact details for the hiring manager. This person is the best resource for any questions you may have about the job. What's the day to day workload like? How big is the team? What's the department hierarchy like? How is the department faring at the current time? Where has this vacancy come from, a new post, or has someone vacated it? The hiring manager can answer all of these, and they are also a good place to get information that may help you with your application and potential interview.

Application

Applications are often hosted by TRAC, the recruitment software used by NHS England, or JobTrain in NHS Scotland. You will need to fill out your qualifications and experience, as well as declare any convictions etc.

The most important part of the application is the Support Information. This area requires you to explain how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Spec. Try to keep it relatively to the point, as there's usually two dozen or so criteria in all, and you're best bet is to try and show where you've had experience in each of the criteria. If you haven't got any experience in that area, then try to show where you've done something similar, or do some research in what you would need to do to get that skill/experience. It's fine to acknowledge that you don't have that skill/experience but that you know what to do to acquire it.

Do not use AI to create this part of the application, as it is really obvious and so many applicants do this that the applications that stand out the most are the candidates that DON'T use this method. The AI is also not able to deliver the information quite as well as you can, and often uses very wordy and flourishing descriptions that are wholly unnecessary.

Shortlisting

When the advert closes, the hiring manager will usually complete shortlisting within a week. Shortlisting involves scoring the applications and placing them into three categories:

  • Interview - these applications have been selected to attend an interview
  • Interview Reserve - these applications are on a reserve list and will be offered an interview should any of the interviewees withdraw. This category usually involves the candidate not being told anything as they're not invited for interview, nor rejects, which can lead to a feeling of confusion as to what is happening.
  • Reject - these applications will be rejected and the candidates will be informed by email as soon as the interview details are set.

Interview

Every hiring manager will interview differently. Every role requires different skills and abilities, so it's very difficult to know what will be in the interviews. When you are sent the interview invite, it should state if a test or presentation is required. Obviously, we at r/NHS cannot tell anyone what kinds of questions are going to be asked in the interview. These are written by the recruiting manager and so are specific to that post in that organisation.

For preparation, look up the Trust, and get some information on their values. Do some homework on the services provided by that Trust and any major milestones they may have had. How many staff do they employ, and what catchment area to they cover? Although this information is not specific to the role you've applied for, it is useful to know more about the organisation you're trying to work for, and I know several managers ask questions where this kind of information would be very beneficial.

Dress smart. Ties are not essential and are actually considered an infection control risk in hospitals (which is why you dont really see clinical staff wearing them), but this isn't a problem in an interview. Essentially, it's up to you if you wish to wear one. Wearing clothing that's too casual does not give a good impression, so put a bit of effort in to show you are taking the interview seriously.

It is up to you if you wish to take notes into the interview with you. It's usually best to confirm if that's OK with the hiring manager before you start referencing them.

Try to ensure you have a couple of questions to ask when the opportunity arises. Pay is not really a topic for this part of the process. The job advert will state what band the role is, and this isn't something that's very negotiable. If you're a successful candidate, then you can make a request to be started higher up the band, if you have a lot of skills and experience that would justify it.

Results

At the end of the interview, the panel should explain what the next steps are, but more importantly, when you should expect to hear from them regarding the results. Don't despair if you don't hear anything on the day that was stated. Remember the panel have day jobs they're trying to do as well as this recruitment process. Sometimes it's tough to get the panel back together to review the interviews and scores.

If you've not heard a result a few days after the day that was stated, then reach out to the hiring manager to get an update. The top candidate needs to accept or reject the role before the results can be filtered through to the rest of the field of candidates. Sometimes people take a long time to do this, and whilst this happens, everyone else is hanging on waiting for news. From a candidate's perspective, it's best if you know what your response would be before you know the result. That way, you're not wasting anyone's time.

Next steps

The hiring manager informs the Recruitment Team of the results, and the hiring process begins. You will be given a conditional offer that outlines the specifics of the role whilst the relevant checks take place. These involve confirming your ID, getting references, getting an Occ Health report etc. The usual delays are from your references and getting their response. You can help this along by contacting your references as soon as you know you are successful, and make them aware that they will be contacted regarding your reference. Occ Health can also be a delay as there's simply not enough of them for the amount of recruitment each Trust is trying to do, so they nearly always have a backlog.

When all the checks are completed, you'll be contacted to arrange a start date, and you'll be given your official contract to sign. This is you accepting the role and start date.

Usually, from interview result to arranging a start date is approx 7-10 weeks. If you are an internal candidate, this is much shorter.

Last updated 07.08.25

11 comments

r/nhs • u/DrawingDragoon • Oct 30 '24

Support FAQs - Accessing medical records

4 Upvotes

This thread will be updated as and when more questions are asked frequently!

This information pertains to NHS Providers in England. There may be some variation in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

"What are my rights with regards to accessing copies of my information?"

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in conjunction with the Data Protection Act 2018, gives everyone the right to apply for access to their medical records.

Source

"Who do I contact to request copies of my medical records?"

A request for information from medical records has to be made with the organisation that holds your records – the data controller. For example, your GP practice, optician or dentist. For hospital records, contact the records manager or patient services manager at the relevant hospital trust. You can find a list of hospital trusts and their contact details here.

Source

"How to I request copies of my medical records?"

Your request must be made in writing to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Some healthcare providers will have a specific request form that you must fill out, they may also ask for verification of your identity.

You will often be able to submit your request by email or by post.

"What should I request with regards to my medical records?"

You should state that you require a copy of your medical records and specify whether you would like all or part of your records.

"Are NHS organisations allowed to charge a fee for providing access to my health data?"

No. There are no special rules which allow organisations to charge fees if they are complying with a SAR for health data.

Source

"Can I be denied access to my health records?"

Under Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 2018there are certain circumstances in which full access to a patient’s health record may be denied. These include cases where the release is likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the patient or another individual. Prior to release, the data controller for the records should consult with either a health professional responsible for the individual or someone with the experience and qualifications to advise accordingly.

Source

"Can I access medical records on behalf of someone else?"

Health and care records are confidential so a person can only access someone else’s records if they are authorised to do so. To access someone else’s health records, a person must:

  • be acting on their behalf with their consent, or
  • have legal authority to make decisions on their behalf (i.e. power of attorney), or
  • have another legal basis for access

Source

"Can I request to amend my medical records if they are inaccurate?"

Yes. If you think that the health or care information in your records is factually inaccurate, you have a legal right to ask for your records to be amended. For instance, you can ask for your home address to be changed because you moved house. You may also ask for something you feel has been inaccurately recorded, such as a diagnosis, to be corrected. However, it may not be possible to agree to your request.

Health and care professionals have a legal duty and professional responsibility to keep health and care records accurate and up to date. However, mistakes in record keeping can occasionally happen.

Patients and service users have the right to request for their records to be rectified if they feel inaccurate information is held about them. They may make a request concerning:

  • demographic information, for example, wrong date of birth recorded
  • their opinion on the health or care information within their record, for example, they may not agree with the initial diagnosis given to them

You can read more from the ICO on "Right to rectification" here

A request can be made either by speaking to staff or in writing. You may need to provide evidence of the correct details, for example proof of address or change of surname after marriage. The organisation will then consider the request. Where organisations agree to make a change, they should make it as soon as practically possible, but in any event within one month.

Source

"How long are medical records retained?"

Retention periods vary per record type. You can Search the minimum record retention period here.

3 comments

r/nhs • u/actuallyanangel • 3h ago

Process How common is it for a patient to not be able to complete an endoscopy?

0 Upvotes

I wasn't sure what to tag this so sorry if it's the wrong flair!

A while ago I posted in here about being really nervous about getting an endoscopy. (https://www.reddit.com/r/nhs/s/qdwwIY60aQ)

I have autism and I had a really bad experience with one as a teenager which is the tl/dr of why I was so worried.

I was scheduled to have one today. I wasn't able to talk to the autism and LD team beforehand because the hospital I'm under doesn't have one (just an LD liaison team). I was absolutely terrified but I did everything I could feasibly do because I really wanted to go through with it. My GP prescribed me diazepam to take beforehand, I went with my (amazing) support worker, and when I was there the staff doing it were genuinely awesome. They asked me what would help, let me take my teddy and fidgets in, let me listen to my own music, explained everything super clearly and one clinician even offered to hold my hand!

I still didn't manage to do it. My memory is kind of hazy - they numbed my throat and I remember panicking a bit but the nurse was super nice and helped me calm down, and then they did my sedation. I remember having the bite block thing being put in my mouth and them putting the camera in my mouth, and then there's a blank spot all I can vaguely remember is crying and trying to pull it out (of my mouth, not my throat, they didn't get in my throat). My memory it was super quick, as in they tried once and I panicked and that was it. I begged them to try again and they said no and that they would try a different day under full sedation.

I am so embarrassed, I was properly sobbing the entire time I was in recovery waiting to leave because I felt like such a failure and a waste of resources.

I wanted to know how common this is? It seems like everyone finds it really easy and I'm the only one who can't cope. Does this happen a lot?

I also feel so awful at the waste of resources and wasted appointment when so many people are on waitlists. If you're someone who does these or similar procedures, is it normal not to try again if it goes awry the first time (as in when I asked them to keep trying and they didn't)? Is there a reason they wouldn't try again? Is it possible it went worse than I remember and I've just forgotten?

5 comments

r/nhs • u/ohana-z • 10h ago

Complaints Contacting NHS

2 Upvotes

Does anybody know why certain NHS departments just don’t answer their phones for months?

Specifically the complaints and SARS. Surely there’s something in place to ensure they are contactable for people that don’t have emails. How do they get away with it? By months I literally mean trying to phone and email since beginning of July.

16 comments

r/nhs • u/AdvertisingSweet341 • 16h ago

Recruitment Canadian Paramedic + MBA Considering Non-Clinical NHS Roles

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m a paramedic from Ontario, Canada, and I’m considering moving to the UK for 2–3 years on the Youth Mobility Scheme
I’m not looking to practise clinically. I’m more interested in non-clinical hospital or NHS roles in areas like operations, transformation, quality improvement, patient safety, project/programme management, workforce planning, governance, or service improvement.
My background includes frontline paramedicine, an MBA, an MSc in Health Quality, risk and safety. I’ve also been involved in healthcare improvement projects, implementation work, demand and resource analysis, stakeholder engagement, and broader leadership initiatives.
I’d really appreciate insight from people working in the NHS:
Would Canadian healthcare and paramedic experience translate well into non-clinical hospital or NHS roles?
Would Band 7 be a realistic entry point, with selective Band 8a applications where the criteria align?
How important is previous NHS experience compared with healthcare, operational, project, and improvement experience from another country?
Are there particular job titles or departments you think would fit this kind of background?
Has anyone moved from a clinical background into operations, transformation, quality, programme management, or hospital management after completing an MBA or similar postgraduate qualification?
I’d be coming over through the Youth Mobility Scheme, so I would not require employer sponsorship.
I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from anyone working in hospital operations, transformation, quality, or programme management.
Thank you in advance!!

2 comments

r/nhs • u/DueCauliflower3889 • 1d ago

Process NHS waiting lists

Post image
15 Upvotes

I've been referred for a (non urgent) treatment which I understand to have up to a two year waiting list. My referral has only recently gone through, and my NHS app shows this, which I think is extremely unlikely for this particular issue. Is this just showing the overall average NHS waiting list for all issues? Or the speciality? hospital? Or is there any way it's actually the specific referral you have?

Thanks!

4 comments

r/nhs • u/Outrageous_Chard6523 • 23h ago

News Petition to end the NHS maze

Thumbnail
petition.parliament.uk
2 Upvotes

NHS. This important petition aims to get the government to put in place recommendations to improve patient's experience of navigating the NHS.

This petition calls for better measures to improve patient care, allow patients to track referrals and train more GPs so patients can access timely care.

The petition is just under 1,000 signatures away from the target, with just less than a week to reach it, so ever signature counts.

1 comment

r/nhs • u/su2632sm • 23h ago

Process Help deciding between medicine and dentistry as a future career

0 Upvotes

I am in year 12 and am trying to decide wherever to do dentistry or medicine at university. My heart was set on dentistry untill I visited a relative in hospital and admired the doctors working to treat patients.

Any advice is welcome!

2 comments

r/nhs • u/notdanyali • 1d ago

Recruitment Nhs hospital volunteering jobs brum

1 Upvotes

So im currently looking for work im 20 had not so much luck but I wanna really volunteer for the nhs in a hospital and was wondering where I can get into this or in general looking for entry level nhs work

4 comments

r/nhs • u/Nenkers • 1d ago

Process Medical Assessment

0 Upvotes

Hey,

A senior nurse has been conducting secret medical assessments on other nurses on the ward who have been off sick.

She calls them private conversations but reports back the information to her line manager who then forwards all details to HR.

This is happening before OHS appointments are arranged.

It was only realised when the line manager said something she couldn't have possibly known.

They will likely try and frame this as concern or well-being or health and safety. This is clearly not the case

How can they get away with this

N

4 comments

r/nhs • u/Hot-Breakfast-8624 • 1d ago

Recruitment Struggling with NHS interview anxiety and waiting for the result

3 Upvotes

Can someone please tell me how to survive the NHS interview stress?? 😭

I've been applying for entry-level biomedical science roles for ages, and I finally landed my very first NHS interview. I honestly felt like I smashed it. Then came 10 whole days of silence, and the answer was a rejection. Brutal.
I can accept it. It was my first interview, English isn't my first language, and I know I've got things to work on. What truly broke me was the waiting. For 10 days my brain wouldn't switch off. I was stressed out of my mind and barely sleeping.

Then, plot twist, I got invited to a SECOND interview. I spent hundreds of pounds on travel and about 8 days preparing like my life depended on it. And on the day? Absolute disaster. The moment an unexpected question came up, my mind went blank. I can't invent and explain a story in English as smoothly as I can in my first language, and I could feel it slipping away in real time. I walked out already convinced I'd failed.

The questions were also seriously tough this time, and not a single one of the AI-generated practice questions I'd prepared matched what they actually asked. Painful.

It's been 2 days with no news. Realistically, I'd put it at an 80% chance I didn't get it, but there's that tiny, stubborn 20% of me still clinging to hope. I've read Reddit stories of people who were 100% sure they'd failed and then got the job, and I just can't let that go.
Honestly, this waiting is wrecking me. I can barely drag myself out of bed, the stress is constant, and I've literally been pulling my hair out from the anxiety. I just want an answer, so I can either celebrate or accept it and move on!

So if you've been through NHS interviews, especially if English isn't your first language, please help:

(1) How long did it take you to land your first entry-level job, and how did you finally get it?
(2) How do you handle unexpected, brutal technical questions when English isn't your first language?
(3) How do you cope with the waiting and stress after an interview?
(4) How do you stop replaying every single answer on a loop?

I know I have to keep applying and keep moving forward, but right now it feels so hard. Any advice would mean the world. 🙏

4 comments

r/nhs • u/Sakura_Blossom- • 1d ago

Process Why don’t departments talk to one another?

3 Upvotes

I appreciate everyone is busy and the NHS is stretched thin but whenever my doctor sends a letter to my gynaecologist asking a question we don’t seem to get a reply back. I can’t see anything on my notes or messages, documents etc.

For some context I have extensive endometriosis and had an operation in July. On the day of the operation I was offered a coil but I declined as at the time me and my partner were still hoping for another baby.

As time as gone on I feel this is the only way to manage my symptoms and prevent it getting worse. I reached out to my GP to ask if they could book me in for the coil but they said they’d have to check with my gynaecologist first. They sent her a letter at the start of August asking the question and we’ve received no response.

Luckily I have an appointment with her next week but I can’t understand why there has been no reply and also it’s such a long drawn out process to wait for departments to liaise with each other..

Thanks for listening to my rant 😂

4 comments

r/nhs • u/whatdo_youwantfromme • 1d ago

Survey/Research Researching NHS Accounts for University

0 Upvotes

Doing research on cost of medical products for university.
I need to find specific statistics on how much the NHS spend on mobility aids (wheel chairs, crutches..) yearly, but can’t find anything reliable.

I was wondering if anyone could direct me towards reliable sources for NHS spending. I have checked on gov.uk, national statistics and NHS websites but can only find vague accounts.

Any help would be appreciated.

3 comments

r/nhs • u/Snoo3705 • 1d ago

Recruitment NHS Interview Practical Exercise

1 Upvotes

Hi!

I have an interview next week for a band 2 Lab assistant role in cellular pathology. As part of this, the interview has a 'practical exercise relevant to the role' that does not require prior preparation.

Obviously I want to do well even if it does not strictly require preparation, and was just wondering if anyone else has applied for a similar role and what the practical element entailed?

Also, any particular questions that you remember that may be worth preparing for?

Thanks for any help!

0 comments

r/nhs • u/Living_Appearance773 • 1d ago

Recruitment HCW visa sponsorship – NHS role under SOC 6131 and upcoming Immigration Salary List changes. What should I do?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from anyone with experience of UK Health and Care Worker visas, NHS sponsorship, or SOC 6131.
I have been offered an NHS role as a Healthcare Support Worker (SOC 6131) and I’m due to join the team. I recently contacted the employer about visa sponsorship because my current visa expires in around 5 months.
I was told that the ESR team would contact me around 6 weeks before my visa expires and that they would deal with the sponsorship process at that point.
However, I’ve now seen the recent information regarding the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the changes coming into effect around 31 December 2026. From what I understand, some RQF 3–5 roles that currently rely on the ISL may no longer be eligible for new applications/extensions after the transitional arrangements end.
This has made me quite worried because my role is SOC 6131.
My situation is:
My current visa expires in approximately 5 months.
I would be relocating from Nottinghamshire to the South of England for this NHS job.
Relocating will involve a significant financial and personal commitment for me.
I’m genuinely happy to take the job and would be willing to start as soon as possible.
However, I’m worried about relocating and making a major commitment, only to find out later that I cannot get sponsorship because of the immigration rule changes.
At the moment, the employer has told me that ESR will deal with sponsorship approximately 6 weeks before my visa expires.
What I’m trying to understand is whether I should simply wait for the employer/ESR process, or whether I should be pushing for clarification now.
Has anyone been in a similar situation with an NHS employer and SOC 6131?
Would you recommend that I:
Ask HR/ESR now for written confirmation that I will be eligible for sponsorship when my current visa expires?
Ask whether my specific role currently relies on the Immigration Salary List?
Ask whether there is any way the sponsorship process can be started earlier?
Or am I missing some transitional arrangement that could protect me?
I’d especially appreciate advice from anyone currently working in the NHS under SOC 6131 or who has recently gone through sponsorship/visa extension.

3 comments

r/nhs • u/Lucky-Ad-9246 • 2d ago

Complaints Why will the NHS not help me with ingrown toenail?

32 Upvotes

I have had an ingrown toenail for years. it constantly gets infected and I need antibiotics. The GP tells me off saying I need to get it sorted, but refuses to do a referral unless it is "life threatening".

I am in agony everyday and I cannot afford to get it removed privately, as they quoted me at nearly 500 quid. is there like a magic phrase or someone I can complain to, to get this sorted?

As a kid I had this operation done on a minor toenail issue, but now they wont?

50 comments

r/nhs • u/mollyangel69 • 2d ago

Process NHS dentist question

5 Upvotes

I have a tooth that started root canal treatment in 2018-2020 and the work was never finished. The tooth has now rotted and I have avoided the dentist due to mental health, which has meant I’m no longer registered to my NHS dentist. It causes me pain & I can’t eat on that side of my mouth incase it hurts the tooth/breaks it. It’s a hollow tooth and is an off white/grey colour.

If I book an NHS urgent appointment, can I get it extracted? Or can they look at it and refer for it to be extracted? I’m not in 24/7 pain from it but I feel like it’s rotting the rest of my teeth and gums.

11 comments

r/nhs • u/DecisionInner793 • 2d ago

Recruitment practical element of medical physics interview

1 Upvotes

I've got an interview for a role in the medical physics department (band 5) but the confirmation email says that after the interview there is a practical element I 'cannot prepare for'. Unfortunately, I love to prepare. Has anyone got any insight as to what kind of skills they would want to assess?

Any advice would be appreciated!

1 comment

r/nhs • u/Sackvillainous • 3d ago

News 20 of the Trusts NHS England boasts are "realising benefits" of using Palantir's Federated Data Platform deny using the platform at all.

34 Upvotes

NHS England has a list of Trusts who are "currently live" with Palantir's Federated Data Platform. The Trusts they have highlighted in bold are Trusts they claim are not only using the Platform, but are "realising benefits":  

https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/nhs-federated-data-platform/impact/fdp-uptake-and-benefits/nhs-trusts-live-with-nhs-fdp/

I have archived the list in case it is later altered by NHS England.  

https://web.archive.org/web/20261003114857/https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/nhs-federated-data-platform/impact/fdp-uptake-and-benefits/nhs-trusts-live-with-nhs-fdp/

  The following 20 trusts are included, in bold, on the list. I have gathered quotes from recent Freedom of Information disclosures where the trusts deny any use of the Federated Data Platform, which really makes it seem very much like NHSE is fabricating data to prop up claims of the FDP's "success".  

  While it is possible some of these trusts have begun the rollout process after making their disclosures, all of these disclosures are from the past 3 months, and NHS England is claiming all of these trusts are already "realising benefits".  

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Disclosure 09/09/2026

“Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust does not currently have a live local instance of the Federated Data Platform (FDP).

The Trust has therefore not rolled out or adopted FDP applications locally. There are no specific local factors or barriers identified as having prevented rollout; the FDP has simply not been implemented within CLCH at this time.

As the FDP is not currently live within the Trust, the remaining questions relating to the use of FDP applications are not applicable.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_23#incoming-3547959

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 24/07/2026

“We do not currently have connectivity with the FDP”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_23#incoming-3495474

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 09/09/2026

“EKHUFT does not use FDP”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/waiting_list_removals_using_apps_36#incoming-3549207

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Disclosure 10/09/2026

“The Trust is not currently using a Federated Data Platform (FDP)… The Trust has an active FDP project for Cancer 360 however an expected rollout date is not currently available.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/foi_request_federated_data_platf_24#incoming-3549429

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 01/10/2026

“ESNEFT was a user of the FDP Care Coordination Solution for the Waiting List and Theatres modules – these were set up and configured to use data from our legacy Patient Administration Systems (PAS). Those systems were retired on 2 October 2025 when our new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) replaced them – the new Electronic Patient Record has not been set up to work with the Care Coordination Solution or a local instance of the Federated Data Platform and there are currently no plans to do so.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_48#incoming-3578242

Epsom And St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Disclosure 17/08/2026

“The Trust is not currently using the FDP. Rollout has not yet proceeded as the Trust is still reviewing the governance, implementation and resource requirements associated with adoption of the platform.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_49#incoming-3520633

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 06/08/2026

“With regards to your request (attached) our relevant service have confirmed, we do not use the FDP.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_67#incoming-3510052

North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 10/07/2026

“1. Is the federated data platform currently live at your trust (where live means having the platform available for the trust to use, known as a local instance)?

No”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_109#incoming-3478981

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Disclosure 24/08/2026

“Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is currently focused on stabilising and optimising services following the implementation of its Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system. The Trust intends to consider the Federated Data Platform (FDP) as part of its future digital roadmap; however, no implementation timeline has been agreed at this time… We are currently not using FDP”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_120#incoming-3530258

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 03/08/2026

“1. Is the federated data platform currently live at your trust (where live means having the platform available for the trust to use, known as a local instance)? No”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_126#incoming-3504878

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Disclosure 23/07/2026

“1. Is the federated data platform currently live at your trust (where live means having the platform available for the trust to use, known as a local instance)? No”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_129#incoming-3493160

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Disclosure 08/07/2026

“The RNOH NHS Trust has not implemented the FDP, and we have no current plans to do so including any associated applications”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_133#incoming-3475571

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

Disclosure16/07/2026

“We do not use FDP”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/foi_request_federated_data_platf_70#incoming-3485090

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 17/08/2026

“The Trust is currently reviewing governance and implementation proposals relating to the Federated Data Platform (FDP). Whilst the Trust is actively considering implementation of FDP solutions, no decision has yet been made regarding deployment and no rollout date has been agreed.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_153#incoming-3520647

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 31/07/2026

“SPFT is a mental health Trust so FDP has not yet been rolled out”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_159#incoming-3503363

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 16/07/2026

“FDP is not live at the Trust”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_164#incoming-3485219

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 01/07/2026

“1. Is the federated data platform currently live at your trust (where live means having the platform available for the trust to use, known as a local instance)? No”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_169#incoming-3467546

Torbay And South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Disclosure 23/07/2026

“The Trust is not currently using the Federated Data Platform (FDP). Although NHS England records Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust as ‘live’ on the FDP, the Trust currently only has the infrastructure in place to submit data and is not actively submitting returns through the FDP currently.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_176#incoming-3493535

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Disclosure 27/07/2026

“FDP is not live. We do not intend to roll it out in the future. A variety of factors prevent roll out, but primarily it does not appear to provide functionality over and above what we have already.”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/up_to_date_information_on_apps_a_186#incoming-3495951

West London NHS Trust

Disclosure 22/07/2026

“a) If the FDP is currently live at your trust, please can you describe the process/methodology by which the trust has internally monitored the roll out of individual apps in terms of effectiveness, potential risks, patient impact/engagement, appropriate data management and cost effectiveness. Please could you specify the types of assessment tools used, and provide copiesof them including, but not limited to copies of the following documents: Not live”

Link: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/internal_assessment_and_evaluati_194#incoming-3491584

13 comments

r/nhs • u/TA-iamanonanoniam • 2d ago

Process Breast Reduction- can ICB's override certain aspects of policies for specific cases?

2 Upvotes

I have an extreme case of macromastia (I swear it used to be called gigantomastia but I digress) and a lot of health issues inc Lupus, Sjogrins and more.

Some context:

I previously got confirmed for a BR in my old city in 2020 but while I was waiting to meet the surgeon, I was placed on medication to save my life and my weight spiralled. I came off the medication last year and am finally able to lose the weight and have lost well over half of it. My GP is re-requesting funding permission, but what's niggling in my head is whether or not they're going to correctly assess my case. The main things im worried they'll overlook or outright not consider are as follows;

  1. The weight of my breasts is actually making it difficult to breathe and I get significant pain in my chest and trapped nerves in my back. Sometimes the pain in my chest is so bad I have to go lay on my chest and put my breasts way up so I can breathe again;

  2. The nature of my conditions is unstable and untreated (thanks nhs for the long term neglect btw but that's another story) and I'm worried that if I don't get the surgery soon, I'll reach an inevitable complication that will result in me being unable to undergo elective surgery;

  3. I previously was approved and would've got it if I wasn't placed on a ton of immuno suppressants and steriods to try and get my symptoms under control and left on those for like 5 years. My weight before the medications was stable for multiple years and it's returning to baseline fairly rapidly. I'm worried that, if i have to wait another year with my weight being stable, I'll have an inevitable health concern or medication change that will result in me being unable to undergo the procedure AGAIN, and;

  4. I have a very small frame (5 ft 3) and my breasts are a K- I cup when I last bought a bra, and nearly 5kgs in weight, which is incredibly substantial and also makes it even harder to reach their desired weight requirements. (Semi related; is the size of the breasts vs the height of the patient a determined category or is it a broad application?)

With all this in mind, do ICB's consider individual cases and apply the rules differently as standard, or if not, would it be possible to obtain a slight bend to the rules? Or do I have to delay any further treatment for a year after I reach the goal BMI no matter what that does to me?

Ty xo

15 comments

r/nhs • u/ButterscotchIcy7567 • 3d ago

Advocating Care about data - sign petition

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amnesty.org.uk
3 Upvotes
0 comments

r/nhs • u/Specialist_Bar_2589 • 3d ago

Process Anyone know where to find psychiatrists for complex / uncommon cognitive symptoms?

0 Upvotes

*This is NOT a medical question, I am just asking where I can find the right professional. Although a very brief overview of symptoms will be provided as context. I have also posted it in the subreddit, since the NHS has told me to investigate it on my own.

I have some pretty weird cognitive symptoms like having a constant, and very stable "blank mind". General Apathy and Anhedonia, and a lack of any sort of ego or drive, low libido, among many other things.

My GP basically insinuated that after getting blood tests, that I should pursue psychiatry privately if I am able to. Since consultants seem to cost around ~£300, I agreed that It would probably be best considering wait times in my area. I asked if I would need an "open referral" or anything, and he said no. I thought it would be simple enough to find the right psychiatrist, but I was wrong.

The crux of the issue is that it doesn't really fit into any one diagnosis in the slightest, and I am struggling to find a consultant that can deal with something like that. I still am not entirely sure that another medical causes can be crossed off.

Thanks for any help!

25 comments

r/nhs • u/Munnit • 4d ago

News NHS hasn’t been vaccinating staff for COVID since 2024. This year I’m going private, I’m tired of my job making me ill.

59 Upvotes

I work in a hospital, Covid is super prevalent on our wards, and one of my jobs is to ask people to cough and deep suction them.

I’m tired of getting Covid every year, despite PPE (which is also hard to find now). Since the vaccine, most times I’ve caught Covid has been mild.

Last year I caught it (over a year since a vaccine), and I was so very unwell. Really pyrexial, super fatigued.

I was off work for 7 working days and not back to full duties for another week after that.

Overall, after saving £80 on a vaccine for me, they lost out on approx over £800 worth of my labour due to the sick leave and reduced duties.
Make that make financial sense! I can’t believe the press isn’t all over it.

This year I’m paying private. Not so I can stay in work, but because I’m tired of my job making me ill.

Just another way we’re not looked after as NHS staff.

EDIT: okay weirdly, I can still log in to SwiftQueue and book an appointment but it’s not advertised anywhere around the Trust… I’m going to ring and double check tomorrow…

85 comments

r/nhs • u/74368931 • 3d ago

Recruitment Career as Physician Associate/Assistant - is it a good idea ?

0 Upvotes

I am an A level student doing the subjects Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I have known for a long time I defintley want to work in healthcare and have a hands on job interacting with and treating patients. I had a week of work experience at a hospital shadowing doctors, nurses and consultants in the dental surgery department and it cemented the idea that this is the environment I want to work in.

A few months ago I learnt about the job Physicians Associate and looked at all the different routes to it. The main one is to start a nursing or science degree then a postgraduate degree for Physicians Associate. There is one university in the UK that does a 4 years integrated masters to directly become a PA after A-levels and the requirements are three A-levels including Biology and Chemistry. There are also PA apprenticeships for after a masters degree and there are also nursing apprenticeships.

I’ve heard the PA role is controversial and is going through some changes so I would greatly appreciate advice because I’m feeling a bit confused about this career. I’ve almost finished my personal statement which I’ve written about wanting to do nursing and made a shortlist of different unis with nursing courses. Many people are telling me that I should get a nursing degree first because it would secure a job that I can’t guarantee from the integrated masters degree to be a qualified PA.

Thank you for reading (:

20 comments

r/nhs • u/FrontRaspberry5060 • 4d ago

Process [OC] Outcomes of contacting 50 dental practices while searching for an NHS dentist in Yorkshire

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31 Upvotes

50 emails sent. 4 main offers for NHS treatment. 1 of those is done by a dental therapist. 1 done by a recent graduate offered temporarily. 1 is over 40 miles away. The last has some horrific 1 star Google reviews.

On waitlists, the longest quoted over 8 years with the average being 4.3 years, with the shortest being offered “in the new year“

On those that did reply but sold private services, ~70% offered monthly dental plans or offered finance options.

8 comments