NHS SC Barcoding Standards Example
NHS SC uses the GS1 identification standards. These include standards that define unique identification codes (called GS1 identification keys) which can be used by an information system to refer unambiguously to a real-world entity such as a:
- Trade item;
- Logistics unit;
- Physical location;
- Document;
- Service relationship; and/or
- Other entity.
Location Numbering – The GS1 standard provides a Global Location Number (GLN) for the identification of unique locations, such as a legal entity (e.g. a trust or a supplier); a functional entity (e.g. a cost centre or an accounting office); and a physical entity (e.g. a hospital or a warehouse).
Inventory Management – Many products provided by suppliers to the NHS already carry GS1 barcodes and, over time, all products will be required to comply with this requirement. These barcodes can be used to manage inventory in all locations around a trust, from central stores to local stock rooms in wards and departments. Scanning the barcode enables key data to be captured electronically and exchanged without manual intervention into patient administration and purchase order processing systems.
Product Safety Recall – Legislation requires hospitals to be able to electronically track and trace medical devices to individual patients. Scanning barcodes on the patient wristband and on the device, into the patient record enables product safety recalls to be effectively managed.
