NHS number
Published on: 16th February 2016 | Updated on: 25th June 2026
The NHS number is a unique patient identifier used across the NHS. It helps ensure the right information is linked to the right person and shared safely between healthcare services.
Each NHS number has ten digits, for example:
Safe patient care depends on accurate information being linked to the correct person. Using the NHS number helps make this reliable and consistent.
Pharmacy teams use the NHS number to:
- match patients to the correct records and reduce the risk of mix-ups;
- receive Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) messages;
- identify patients when communicating with other health and care services; and
- access the Patient Demographics Service (PDS).
The NHS website offers a ‘Find my NHS number’ service to help people locate their number.
This service is available to people living in England who:
- do not know their NHS number; or
- have forgotten it.
You can also use this service for someone else if you know their name, date of birth and home postcode.
The NHS number can be sent by text, email or letter.
The NHS number standard is based on three simple principles:
| NHS number principles | Explanation |
| Find It | Find the NHS number early during the care pathway – ideally on initial contact. |
| Use It | Use it to associate care and treatment to that person’s PMR record. The NHS number can be used on documents and reports relating to that person. |
| Share It | Share the NHS number with other organisations where needed; including within paper/electronic documents. |
Q. Who has an NHS number?
A. Almost everyone in England and Wales has an NHS number. It has been issued at birth since 2002. People who have registered with a GP practice will also have one.
If you cannot find a person’s NHS number, it is more likely that their details have not been matched correctly rather than them not having one.
Q. How can I find a patient’s NHS number?
A. Pharmacy teams can find a patient’s NHS number through the Patient Demographics Service (PDS). See our NHS guidance.
Q. How can patients find their NHS number?
A. Patients can log into their NHS App or NHS account, where their NHS number is clearly displayed.
Further info
Read more:
- NHS number (NHS IT)
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
