National Care Records Service (NCRS)
Published on: 28th November 2022 | Updated on: 27th August 2026
The National Care Records Service (NCRS) is the new national system that gives authorised health and care staff quick, secure access to key patient information.
The NCRS portal is accessible from the Spine portal link directory. It provides access to information such as Summary Care Record information.
NCRS includes the same Summary Care Record (SCR) information but also provides wider access to:
- Personal Demographics Service
- National Record Locator
- Locally held care plans
- Reasonable Adjustments Flag, which can be updated by relevant health care staff
Information held in NCRS can be used by IT system suppliers to support safer and more joined‑up care.
Authorised professionals can access NCRS using either a mobile device or a desktop computer over WiFi, mobile data or an existing Health and Social Care Network connection.
The system supports multiple login options, including biometric authentication and NHS.net Connect‑enabled access.
Access the NCRS portal
Access NCRS:
https://portal.spineservices.nhs.uk/nationalcarerecordsservice/
(requires an NHS.Smartcard or CIS2 authentication)
Practise using a test patient
Dummy NHS numbers are available for training and practice:
- 999 040 2132
- 999 025 2955
- 999 024 0272
Further information
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
