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Data security toolkit to help care providers securely store information

Data security toolkit to help care providers securely store information
By Hiba Mahamadi
4 February 2019



Social care providers on NHS contracts who wish to use NHSmail but haven’t completed the full Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) can now use the service by completing a newly introduced entry-level version instead.

NHSmail can be used to share information with health and care providers securely. It can be accessed on mobile devices and desktops and includes a directory of all users.

The DSPT is an online self-assessment tool for data security to ensure that organisations using NHSmail can hold data safely.

Care providers can now make use of the service by completing a few preliminary steps while they work towards completing the full DSPT.

National Care Association vice chair Mandy Thorn 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.’

NHS Digital executive director of product development Wendy Clarke added that his entry level version of the DSPT enables care providers to share information more easily and securely with the NHS, leading to more integrated care.

She added: ‘‘Information will flow faster, with fewer delays and smoother processes, freeing up staff to focus on those in their care.’

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