Care providers can now gain access to NHSmail, once they have completed the entry level of the online Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), NHS Digital has announced.
NHSmail is a free email service available to all social care providers and is a secure and efficient way of sharing clinical and care information with health and care providers, enabling greater integration between the two.
The new mailing service can be accessed from mobiles as well as desktops and includes a full directory of all health and care NHSmail users.
The DSPT is an online self-assessment tool for data security, supporting organisations to ensure they have the right processes and practices in place to manage and hold data safely. It is mandatory for providers who provide care through an NHS contract, though all providers are encourage to complete it if they hold, process and share data.
Nic Fox, director of Social Care Technology at NHS Digital, said: “The benefits of this entry level version of the DSPT are twofold: firstly, it enables care providers to share information more easily and securely with the NHS. This can only lead to better, more integrated care for patients and supports health and care to work together more effectively.
“Secondly, it supports care sector organisations to demonstrate to their regulatory body that they are managing and holding data securely and safely.
“This will ultimately improve care as information flows faster, with fewer delays and smoother processes as a result, freeing up staff to focus on those in their care.”
Mandy Thorn MBE, vice chair of the Natioal Care Association, said: “The ability to complete the DSPT entry level to access NHSmail is welcome news for the care sector, giving us the confidence to know that we’re doing the right thing with the information of those in our care.
“We’ve pulled together some useful guidance for the process, that you can find on our website.”
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Very Professional and Thorough
The Assessor was very professional and thorough. They were very calming to our residents and staff.
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Integral Part of Quality Assurance
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Rough Lee Care Home
Raising the quality of life
Working with RDB over several years had made a significant contribution to raising the quality of life for so many people who live in residential care in Wigan. We have worked with home owners and managers who are committed to improving standards and providing value for money
Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
