NHS Number
If you have an old medical card, it will have an old-style NHS number made up of both letters and numbers. This has now been replaced by a new NHS number made up entirely of numbers.
Everyone registered with the NHS in England has their own unique NHS number made up of 10 digits shown in a 3-3-4 format, for example:
Using your NHS number to identify you correctly is an important step towards improving the safety and efficiency of your healthcare.
If you know your NHS number, or have it on a document or letter, you can help healthcare staff find your records more easily and share them safely with other people who are caring for you. Remember to keep it in a safe place that you have easy access to.
How to find your NHS number
To find out your NHS Number, contact your GP surgery and ask them to look it up. To protect your privacy, you may be asked to show a passport, driving licence or some other proof of identity.
The NHS number will now start to appear on documents received from your NHS care providers, e.g. appointment letters.
Overseas visitors and NHS numbers
If you are a visitor to this country and require NHS care, you will be allocated an NHS number where it is possible to do so. In cases where the organisation is unable to allocate an NHS number directly, you will be given a local number.
Having an NHS number does not entitle you to free NHS treatment. More information on overseas visitors using the NHS is available on the Department of Health website.
Allocation of NHS numbers for infants
If your baby was born in a hospital in England or Wales, they should have been given an NHS number through the hospital system shortly after the birth.
If your baby was born at home, the health visitor will usually tell you the baby’s NHS Number when they next see you and the baby at your home or at their clinic.
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/records/Pages/thenhsnumber.aspx
