Guidance

NBSFS trust mergers process

Updated 8 March 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/newborn-blood-spot-screening-failsafe-solution-user-guide/process-for-trust-mergers-on-nbsfs

The NHS newborn blood spot (NBS) screening programme recommends formal trust mergers are reflected on the newborn blood spot failsafe solution (NBSFS) IT system. This is to:

  • ensure babies records are accurately assigned to the correct maternity site
  • make it easier for NBSFS users who work across sites

The process

  1. Maternity site lead for NBSFS informs NEC of:
    • the new name of merged trust
    • the new organisation data service (ODS) code, also sometimes referred to as the organisation code or ORG code
    • any changes to GP codes and post codes covered by the new merge
    • the name and contact details of the NBSFS maternity site lead
  2. NPS will:
    • ensure all new birth records are mapped appropriately
    • rename usernames with the new NBSFS site code across the merged trust locations
    • check the region and sub-region mappings are amended correctly, including any out of area locations, if there is a new trust code or name
    • agree a date to add changes to NBSFS ‘live’
  3. Trust will:
    • inform users of agreed date for change, new site code and user login details
    • closely monitor records after the new site has gone live (you may find that some records are not where you expect)
    • inform NPS as soon as an issue is identified via NBSFS.helpdesk@nhs.net

Existing records from the old NBSFS sites will be incorporated and visible on the new site. Historic records will be available to view and update, but no further new birth records will appear on the historic site.

Any historical data reporting will be based on the trust configuration at the time of the report.

The changes will usually be funded by the NBS screening programme. However, depending on the scale of the merge and work involved, the trust may be asked to cover some of the cost.

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