Do you currently send BHRUT faxes? If so, then please note that the Trust will be phasing out all of its fax machines by 31 March 2020. The Trust can now use email to send secure information, using NHSmail - a national email service. The information is encrypted, which means we can send personal information to an email address that does not end with ‘nhs.net’ or ‘gov.uk.’
Therefore GP practices and other services will no longer be able to send secure information to the Trust by fax. The Trust will support internal departments as well as the CCGs and GPs to provide alternative solutions to faxes to send information. If you cannot send secure information by email, then please look at sending secure information differently such as using post. We will update you on any operational changes, as and when internal departments become fax-fee. For further information and advice regarding the removal of faxes from our Trust please visit our website: https://www.bhrhospitals.nhs.uk/gps-healthcare-professionals
Background
The removal of fax machines from the Trust has come as a result of a move by the Department of Health who banned the NHS from buying fax machines in December 2018 and ordered a complete phase out by April 2020. This phase out includes all NHS organisations such as hospitals, GP surgeries and CCGs. NHS organisations will be monitored on a quarterly basis until they declare themselves ‘fax free’. There are just over 200 fax machines across Queen’s and King George Hospitals however only 100 are actually in use.
Fax machines are redundant technology due to our access to our secure email service (NHSmail) and they still use paper. The majority of services within our trust will be able to have a shared NHSmail mailbox setup or use an existing mailbox) to replace their fax machine which will be more secure and efficient. Although it may make us more reliant on email should there be a technical issue, NHSmail is a nationally managed service and any issues incur minimal downtime.
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