eHealth

Overview

The CHI number is a unique ten-digit number that identifies patients in NHS Scotland and is the only consistent way of positively identifying patients across the service. Anyone born in Scotland or registered with a Scottish GP practice will have a CHI number. Use of CHI on clinical communications is mandated across NHS Scotland, with few exceptions.

The CHI Programme was established to support NHS Scotland to embed a sustainable change in culture that would result in mainstream use of the CHI single patient identifier across NHS Scotland.

Benefits of CHI

For Patients:           

• Helps NHS staff make more informed decisions about your healthcare.
• Can help NHS staff identify you correctly in an emergency situation.
• Helps to ensure that your medical information is accurate and complete.

 For clinical staff:    

• The CHI number is the only unique identifier for patients in Scotland.
• Helps you correctly identify patients and their information safely and quickly.
• Reduces unnecessary delays and the requirement for repeat tests and investigations because results cannot be found.
• Helps share clinical information about patients, ensuring the right information is available in the right place at the right time.

 For the Service    

• CHI has been integral to the success of eHealth developments. eg Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) and the

  Emergency Care Summary (ECS)

  .
• CHI is a fundamental building block to future Scottish Government health initiatives. Eg Clinical portal, patient portal, Patient Management Systems (PMS).

September 9th, 2008