NHS Service Finder
Published on: 2nd October 2020 | Updated on: 26th June 2024
NHS Service Finder is a free online tool that helps pharmacy teams and other healthcare professionals quickly locate service information from the Directory of Services (DoS) and nhs.uk.
It’s not available to the public, but it allows you to find the most appropriate local service for a patient’s needs—complete with maps, directions, and the option to email service details directly to the patient.
You can also use it to access non-public contact details (like NHS.net Connect addresses and phone numbers) for services such as GP practices, where available.
NHS Service Finder now uses multi-factor authentication (MFA).MFA enables login with a variety of additional authentication methods across multiple systems.
Access requirements for NHS Service Finder (from Oct 2025)
From 30th October 2025, only users with their own care identity login will be able to access Service Finder.
If you already use a Smartcard (or other CIS Authenticator) to log in to other NHS applications, you already have a care identity. If not, you’ll need to create one.
Creating a care identity for NHS Service Finder is quick and easy for busy professionals. There are no Registration Authority (RA) checks required for NHS Service Finder use, and it takes approximately five minutes to complete.
Note: For a full CIS profile and Smartcard RA checks are required e.g. use of EPS system.
Quick tip for signing up:
Visit the NHS Service Finder webpage and create an account using your NHS.net Connect email address if possible.
Additional resources:
- Using NHS Service Finder IT (one-page factsheet)
- NHS Service Finder poster for your pharmacy staff area (from NHS England)
There are three main ways to search for services:
1. Find different types of service
Use this to:
• Explore a range of services in a specific area
• Compare similar services
Tips:
• Type “all” in the search box to view all available service types
• Include similar services (e.g. Minor Injuries Unit, Urgent Treatment Centre, Walk-In Centre) to widen your search
• Adding GP details may unlock more service options for your patient
2.Check details of a specific service
Use this to:
• Check contact details or referral instructions
• Find a service even if you’re unsure of its exact name
Tips:
• Type as much of the name or address as you remember
• Try adding or removing words to refine your search
3.Find services using clinical keywords
Use this to:
• Search for services that treat a specific condition
Tips:
• Use keywords like “fracture”, “blocked catheter”, or “chest pain”
• Services that accept patients with that condition will be shown
See also:
• Searching for services on NHS Service Finder (video guide)
The interactive maps feature gives you a full view of relevant services in your area.
You can:
• Switch between list and map view
• Filter results in list view, then return to map view to see updated locations
• Share directions—including public transport options—via SMS or email
This makes it faster and easier to guide patients to the right healthcare professional.
Information for Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs)
How to register for NHS Service Finder
- Visit finder.directoryofservices.nhs.uk and follow the registration steps. Use your LPC email address when prompted for a username—NHS.net Connect is not required.
- In your application, include the statement: “I work within the Local Pharmaceutical Committee (LPC), .”
- If your registration isn’t approved within five working days, contact Community Pharmacy England’s IT team at it@cpe.org.uk. They can escalate the issue to the NHS Service Finder team.
The NHS Service Finder team has confirmed to Community Pharmacy England that LPC staff are eligible to register and use the tool.
Supporting local coverage
LPCs can check progress on local profiling via the NHS Service Finder local coverage webpage.
A traffic light system shows how well your area is profiled:
- Green = good coverage
- Amber or Red = more work needed
If your area is marked amber or red, consider flagging this to your local DoS team (login required) or NHS England team. Better profiling helps pharmacy teams get more accurate results when using NHS Service Finder.
Thousands of pharmacy owners have used the tool since early 2021, and most areas in England now have strong coverage.
Need help?
LPCs can contact Community Pharmacy England’s IT team at it@cpe.org.uk.
Pharmacy case study
Anjlee Shah, pharmacist from Farlington, shares her experience:
“I find NHS Service Finder really useful—especially for contacting healthcare professionals directly using non-public phone numbers and NHS.net Connect addresses.
Recently, I received a CPCS referral for a minor illness. The patient had red flag symptoms, so I needed to refer them to their GP. Using NHS Service Finder, I quickly found the surgery’s direct line and emailed the referral. The GP team was expecting it, which reassured the patient.
The patient had delayed seeking help because they didn’t want to ‘bother the doctor’ or face appointment issues. Their symptoms worsened and they eventually called out-of-hours, who referred them to us.
I hope the tool will also help us signpost patients to pharmacies offering specific services—like PGDs or emergency contraception—when we don’t provide them ourselves. It would save time and reduce the need for patients to phone around.
It’s also great for emailing patients service details, including contact info, opening times, and maps. The contact info is always up to date.”
Video: Why healthcare professionals use NHS Service Finder
The NHS Service Finder team has produced a YouTube video featuring healthcare professionals—including pharmacy dispenser Sarah Davis—explaining why they use the tool.
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Other feedback from users of the tool
Additional feedback is also available in the PDF version.
- Sign up now and bookmark https://finder.directoryofservices.nhs.uk for quick access
- Use the ‘Contact Details Search’ to find non-public phone numbers and NHS.net Connect addresses for GP practices when clinically appropriate
- Text or email patients with service details, including maps and transport options, to help them reach the service
- Introduce the tool to your whole team—including locums—so everyone can easily find local services
Q. What is NHS Service Finder?
NHS Service Finder is a free online tool that:
- Helps pharmacy teams and other healthcare professionals quickly find service information to signpost patients to the right care
- Provides access to the Urgent and Emergency Care Directory of Services and nhs.uk, including non-public phone numbers (where available), eligibility criteria, and referral instructions
- Includes maps, directions, and the option to email service details directly to patients
You can use NHS Service Finder on any device with internet access.
Note: Please use an up-to-date browser.
Helpful resources from the NHS Service Finder team:
Q. How do I search for other health and care organisations?
See NHS Service Finder’s guidance:
Q. How do I find non-public phone numbers and NHS.net Connect addresses for listed organisations?
Use one of the search options to look up the organisation. If you know the name, the ‘Check details of a specific service’ option is best. Non-public phone numbers and NHS.net Connect addresses will be shown (where available).
Q. Are all NHS health and care organisations listed?
Most NHS organisations are listed, and coverage is improving rapidly. Regional DoS leads are working to ensure all relevant services are added.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or spot an error, use the feedback option (see below).
Q.How do I provide feedback about NHS Service Finder?
Your feedback helps improve NHS Service Finder and ensures the information shown is accurate and useful. Your local knowledge is valuable.
See NHS Service Finder’s guidance:
Q.How is pharmacy information sourced in NHS Service Finder?
Pharmacy details are pulled from the Urgent and Emergency Care Directory of Services, managed by local DoS teams.
| Information displayed by NHS Service Finder | Source of information | Pharmacy contractors can update this via DoS Profile Updater (if it is open)? |
| Pharmacy name | Directory of Services controlled and maintained by local DoS team. | Yes |
| Address excluding postcode | As above | Yes |
| Postcode | As above | Yes |
| Public phone number | As above | Yes |
| Website | As above | Yes |
| Opening hours (which should align with contractual hours) | As above | Yes |
| Email address | The email address displayed within NHS Service Finder pharmacy profiles is controlled by the local DoS leads. | No. At present the email cannot be updated via DoS Profile Updater. See FAQ directly below. |
If you have questions about the “Important information (Non-public)” section, contact your local DoS team or use the feedback option in NHS Service Finder.
Local DoS leads are updating pharmacy profiles to include shared NHS.net Connect addresses. This helps ensure continuity if team members are off unexpectedly.
If your pharmacy is new and needs to set up a shared NHS.net Connect account, visit cpe.org.uk/nhsmail.
Q.What is the Directory of Services (DoS)?
The DoS is a central NHS directory managed by NHS Digital. It provides real-time service information to NHS 111 and other urgent care providers.
Pharmacy services and opening hours are included, and accurate data helps ensure patients are referred appropriately—especially for services like CPCS.
Pharmacy owners can update their DoS profile using the DoS Profile Updater.
More info: Community Pharmacy England’s DoS webpage
Q. How is the pharmacy email address sourced, and how can I update it?
Email addresses shown in NHS Service Finder are managed by local DoS leads.
To request an update:
• Contact your local DoS team directly
• Or use the ‘information is wrong’ feedback option in NHS Service Finder
The NHS Service Finder team will pass your request to the DoS team within two working days. Please allow six working days before following up.
Your LPC may be able to help you find contact details for your local DoS team.
Note: Email addresses cannot currently be updated via DoS Profile Updater.
Q. I’ve spotted incorrect information in my pharmacy profile—how do I update it?
For general updates (excluding email), use NHS Profile Manager or contact your local DoS team if the change isn’t possible via Profile Manager.
You can also use the ‘information is wrong’ feedback option in NHS Service Finder. The team will pass your request to the DoS team within two working days. Please allow six working days before chasing.
Your LPC may be able to help with DoS contact details.
If you have questions about the “Important information (Non-public)” section, contact your local DoS team or use the feedback option.
Q. Can I check if my pharmacy is set up to deliver CPCS?
This feature is no longer available in NHS Service Finder.
To check CPCS status:
- Use the DoS Profile Updater
- Or contact your local DoS team
Q. How do I contact my local DoS team?
A list of local DoS contact details is available to NHS Service Finder users (login required).
In most cases, pharmacy owners can update DoS information without contacting the team directly. LPCs may also support pharmacy owners with DoS-related queries.
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
