National Reference Files
ISD Scotland collects patient based data which are subject to a stringent data validation process. This process includes the checking of data items against an agreed set of reference files (e.g. location codes, GP practice codes, consultant PINS and specialties, ICD10 and OPCS4 classifications, postcodes etc). The reference files are updated mainly by users via the submission of forms to the Definitions and Reference Team in ISD, who will verify the updates prior to adding them to the reference files.
The standard Data Validation Reference files (e.g. consultants, GPs, location etc) are updated on the website on a weekly basis. Other files (e.g. ICD10/OPCS4) are updated monthly.
For further information on Reference Files (or on downloading the files from the NHSnet) please contact the Reference Files team by e-mail on nss.isdDIGReference@nhs.net or by telephone on 0131 275 6265.
ISD Strategy for the future identification of NHS Boards in Scotland
ISD has defined a strategy that will give NHS Scotland the capacity to adopt new codes if NHS Board reconfiguration occurs in the future. Although there are currently no plans for reconfiguration in NHS Scotland it was thought prudent to have a strategy available if this situation were to arise. The strategy has sufficient capacity available to avoid expensive change control requirements for IT systems and will minimise any disruption to patient services. The strategy is simple to implement and only Boards involved in any future reconfiguration will be affected. A consultation with NHS e-Health Leads, Heads of Information, Health Records Managers, National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Government has taken place, and no major issues have been raised .
Updating Reference Files
Forms used to notify ISD of changes to the Reference files.
SCI Gateway
For all Reference file Enquries from users of SCI Gateway please contact the SCI Gateway Helpdesk on 0141 282 2100. (email NISG Support)
Downloading the ISD SMR Data Reference files
NHSnet users can download the data files here
Click on the filename to download that file :
The Reference File search facility can be accessed here http://www.natref.scot.nhs.uk/
| SMR Validation Reference Files | ||
| Filename | Lastupdate | Description |
| RF0512A.EXE | 22/05/12 | All 17 standard reference files as at 22/05/12. For file descriptions, layout and to download the files individually click here |
| RF0512A.EXE | 22/05/12 | 17 standard reference files for non-NHS users as at 22/05/12. |
| GPDATA.EXE | 22/05/12 | For users of the GP Enquiry system. To update data, copy file onto floppy disk, rename as 'reffiles.exe' and import to system. |
| RF0512B.EXE | 22/05/12 | Full ICD10 and OPCS4 files as at May 2012. |
| 22/05/12 | No updates to the OPCS4 or ICD10 files published in April. | |
| RF0512D.EXE | 22/05/12 | Full postcode (postcode only) file at 22/05/12 |
| RF0512E.EXE | 22/05/12 | Updates to the postcode file since 14/05/12 |
| RF0512F.EXE | 22/05/12 | Cumulative updates to postcode file since 02/01/2012 |
| SCI Validation Reference Files | ||
| Filename | Lastupdate | Description |
| RF0512I.EXE | 22/05/12 | GW_Provider/Location/Specialty file (for SCI Gateway use only) as at 22/05/12 |
| RF0512J.EXE | 22/05/12 | GW_Specialty file (for SCI Gateway use only) as at 22/05/12 |
| RF0512K.EXE | 22/05/12 | GW Health Care professionals (for SCI Gateway use only ) as at 22/05/12 |
| RF0512L.EXE | 22/05/12 | GW Health Care professionals linked to Providers (for SCI Gateway use only ) as at 22/05/12 |
| RF0512M.EXE | 22/05/12 | GW Health Care professionals linked to GW-Specialties (for SCI Gateway use only) as at 22/05/12 |
| RF0512N.EXE | 22/05/12 | GW gpprac file (for SCI Gateway use only). Holds updated HB cypher "G" or "H" for "old" Argyll & Clyde practices as at 22/05/12 |
| RF1111P.EXE | 05/12/11 | gw_entitytype data |
| RF0710Q.EXE | 09/08/10 | gw_address data |
| RF0112R.EXE | 16/01/12 | gw_candidateentity data |
| RF0112S.EXE | 16/01/12 | gw_directoryentity data |
| RF0710T.EXE | 09/08/10 | gw_personname data |
| Other Files | ||
| Filename | Lastupdate | Description |
| LOC_HB.EXE | 18/04/06 | File mapping location code to HB cypher. Can be used to map previous Argyll and Clyde locations to Glagow or Highland |
| RF0512G.EXE | 22/05/12 | GP Practice/CHP file at 22/05/12 |
| RF0112H.EXE | 25/01/12 | Dental Practice and Dentist files (PSD data extracts) as at 30/11/11 |
| PLSP0704.EXE | 12/07/04 | Provider/Location/Specialty mapping file as at July 2004. |
| LF160412.zip | 16/04/12 | Standard lookup files for use by SCI Validation Engine as at 16/04/12. This version of the Ethnic Group file holds the final Scottish Census Ethnicity Categories 2011. Only the 2011 final Scottish Census Ethnicity Categories are valid from 01/04/2012, the older versions have been removed. The new codes/descriptions are mandatory by 01/04/2012. Please note that the Ethnic Group description field holds 70 characters, an increase from the previous 40 characters. Anybody using the SCI Reference update program with CLoVE, PCSMR or other related products will have to update the description field in the reference database to 70 characters before updating with the new file |
| EM2212B.zip | 26/07/11 | File of error messages for use by SCI Validation Engine as at 05/01/11 |
| NW180211.zip | 18/02/11 | New Ways Project - New Ways Data Definitions |
| Clinical document type.zip | 03/04/09 | Standard types and subtypes [2006 Normative]. This file is currently under development, and anyone wishing to make use of it, should in the first instance contact nss.isdDIGReference@nhs.net |
