CfH awards BT contract to replace NSTS

01 Aug 2007

A new service developed by BT, called the Demographics Batch Service (DBS) is set to replace the NHS Strategic Tracing Service (NSTS) batch trace in summer 2008.

The new system will provide access to the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) for all trusts using legacy systems not already linked to the PDS.

Ultimately it will be replaced by new systems delivered by local service providers which will be fully integrated with the PDS.

BT’s programme manager for the NHS Spine, Jason Beresford, told E-Health Insider: “We’re looking to take some of the file input done already on the PDS and put that process through the spine. This can be done already using HL7 compliant messages, but the aim is to get all the patient administration systems to be able to collect demographic non-clinical data and create a master copy on the central system.”

Beresford added: “Connecting for Health are committed to supporting the spine and this new service means it is necessary to slowly switch off legacy systems and eventually move to the new PASs. They are trying to point everyone to the spine system, so that it can be the true master of data in the long term.”

The PDS currently holds demographic details for all patients, uniquely identified through their NHS number. It does not hold clinical or sensitive data, but enables rapid identification of a patient with correct medical details.

The Demographics Batch Service (DBS) will enable users to submit and receive a file containing relevant patient records electronically using dedicated client software.

Patient records in the file can then be matched with the PDS and returned to the user, with the DBS able to match over 1.1m records a day.

Beresford said: “End users will not really see any difference. The DBS will utilise existing records and help the PDS to become the true master. Trusts should experience cost savings as they can retire legacy systems, and once in place, we can move data about people across the spine with ease.”

Demographic data will only be provided when exact matches are found, and users will not be able to browse the PDS.

Strict security measures will also be in place to ensure that the system is not misused in anyway; data is restricted to NHS number, name, address, GP name and GP address.

BT is now finalising the system and say it is near the end of its build. They have been testing it with the spine, which the company also manages.

The next step will be to take the DBS to CfH for ‘sandpit environment’ testing with the local service providers and existing systems providers.

The DBS will be delivered as part of an upgrade to the Spine, due in summer 2008. NSTS users will need to migrate to the new service before the contract expires on 31 December 2008.

It will remain in place until 2013 when it is due to be replaced by LSP systems fully integrated with the PDS.

The service is being delivered as part of the NHS Care Records Service Summary Care Record Programme (Demographics).

Reader's Comments

Further information

01 Aug 07 13:38

Further information on the replacement activities for NSTS is available at http://tinyurl.com/2wqbwv

how odd

01 Aug 07 16:50

We were told that NSTS was to be replaced by the Spine ages ago, so why has BT been given yet another contract to do this ?

And replacement in 2013 by an LSP solution. 2013 is supposed to be the end of the LSP contracts, not the beginning. Many of us are dubious that they will have delivered anything worthwhile by then.

Would have been much better to bury the LSPs along with the Clusters.

How Odd

02 Aug 07 08:30

My understanding is that NSTS will be replaced by PDS as per the original contract. However, I believe this new contract is to compensate for the fact that most hospital systems, PCT systems, etc aren't compliant with the SPINE (i.e. legacy systems) - only those organisations with the LSP systems e.g. Lorenzo/iPM connect directly with PDS, and only a relatively few of these systems have been deployed to date. Hence the need for this "interim" solution, which is extra to BT's original contract.

Legacy and integration

02 Aug 07 14:16

The legacy is the failing LSP contracts. Existing systems, starved of new investment pending undeliverable and overstated vision continue to run the NHS.

It must be about time that CfH allowed working existing systems to integrate properly with the Spine. Rather than pouring more money out of the service.

Another fantastic Cerner solution coming?

06 Aug 07 13:24

Is this the fabled extra contract Cerner has just won for the NHS as reported in their own forums?

If so, then I expect we have even more delays to look forward to as Cerner further dilute the skilled resources they have with Media Studies graduates.

Hey ho, not long now before the programme is canned completely anyway so I assume it's another academic exercise.