How to Find an NHS Number

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Your NHS number is a unique identification number used to identify you within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. It is a one-stop contact number for accessing medical records, booking appointments, and receiving health care services. If you have received NHS care, you will already have an NHS number. But what if you do not have it?

If you’ve lost your NHS number, this guide will show you how to get it back and why you should have it on hand.

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Why Is NHS Number So Important?

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Your NHS number is not a password or security feature but acts as an important marker for identifying your medical records. Here’s why it matters:

• More prompt care: Healthcare personnel are able to access your medical history quickly.
• Preventing mix-ups: This ensures your records don’t get tangled up with someone else’s.
• Booking GP or hospital appointments: Some services require your NHS number.
• NHS online services: If you use the NHS online services, your number is necessary for registration.
• Prescriptions and vaccinations: When you visit a pharmacy or hospital, they may need your NHS number to confirm your details.

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How to Find Your NHS Number

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If you have lost or forgotten your NHS number, there are a few simple ways to get your number back.

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1. Check Your NHS Healthcare Records

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You may find your NHS number on your:

• NHS Medical Card (if you possess one)
• GP or pharmacy prescriptions
• NHS hospital letters, including appointment confirmations
• Letters or records from GP registration
• Evidence of vaccination or COVID-19 test results

If you own any of these at home, check them first !

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2. Use the NHS Online Service

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If you can’t find hard copies of your number, the NHS offers a secure online service to access it.

Steps To Use the NHS Online Service:

• Go to the NHS official site: Find your NHS Number
• Provide your Full name, date of birth, and registered email or phone number.
• Verify your identity: You may be sent a confirmation email or text.
• Get your NHS number: It will be securely emailed to you.

It is the quickest method to get your NHS number online.

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3. Contact Your GP Surgery

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If you haven’t been able to access your NHS number online, your registered GP surgery can assist you with doing so.

What to Do:

• Contact or go to your GP practice and explain you want your NHS number.
• If necessary, give proof of identity (passport, driving license, birth certificate, etc.).
• They will verify your identity and give you your NHS number.

If you’re not registered with a GP, you may have to register first to obtain your NHS number.

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4. Check the NHS App

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The NHS App (on iOS and Android) enables you to view your medical records, prescriptions, and NHS numbers.

Steps to Find Your NHS Number The App:

• You need to download and log into the NHS App.
• Go to the ‘Your Health’ section.
• Your NHS number should be shown with your personal information.

The first time you log in, you may be required to verify your identity.

5. Call the NHS Helpline

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If the problems prevent you from accessing online services or a GP, you can always phone the NHS helpline.

• NHS England: Telephone 0300 311 22 33 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM)
• NHS Scotland: 0800 22 44 88
• NHS Wales: Call 0345 46 47
• NHS Northern Ireland: Contact your local health trust

You will be asked for personal information, including your name, date of birth, and address, to verify your identity.

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NHS Number vs. Hospital Number

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The NHS number is often mistaken as a hospital number, but it is not the same.

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NHS Number: A unique 10-digit number used by all NHS services and linked to your complete medical history.

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Hospital Number: A Hospital Number is unique to you and is used by the hospital system to track your records

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Your NHS number is your lifetime number, while hospital numbers are unique to the hospital you visit. If you have several hospitals treating you, you may have several hospital numbers but only one NHS number.

What If You Aren’t Registered With the NHS?

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You may not have an NHS number if you have never registered with a GP or the NHS. To get one:

• Register with a GP surgery – Find your local GP and fill out a registration form.
• Identification – Passport, driving license, or another proof of address.
• NHS number: After you register, you’ll be assigned an NHS number.

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Conclusion

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Your NHS number is fundamental to obtaining services provided using our healthcare system in the UK. If you’ve lost it, there are different ways to get it: find it through documents, find it on NHS services online, contact your GP, or check the NHS App. Having your NHS number close to hand will keep your medical treatment as seamless and fast as possible.

If you haven’t registered with the NHS yet, sign up with a GP to get your NHS number and full access to healthcare services. Be educated and take charge of your health now!

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FAQs

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1. Will I still be able to access NHS services without my NHS number?

Yes! You don’t need your NHS number to get treatment. It can speed up the process.

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2. What if I’m abroad and want my NHS number?

If you are now abroad and require your NHS number to be sent to you for reference, you may contact your registered GP surgery or the NHS online service.

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3. Can my NHS number change?

No, your NHS number is only for you, can never be duplicated, and cannot be changed by surgery or location.

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