Working with Ordnance Survey, NHSPS has taken an important step to improve the accuracy and consistency of its estate data by linking properties to Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs) - a single identifier for every addressable location in the UK.
While largely behind the scenes, this work plays a vital role in helping NHSPS and its partners better understand, plan and manage healthcare spaces across the country.
By adopting a single, shared property identifier across government and sectors, NHSPS can seamlessly connect data with public bodies, suppliers and service providers. NHSPS can connect information more easily across public sector organisations, including the Department of Health and Social Care, the Cabinet Office and the Environment Agency, as well as with its suppliers and service providers.
This supports more accurate reporting, better planning, and a clearer picture of how NHS buildings are used to deliver care.
Improved property data also has practical, real-world benefits. It helps teams respond more effectively in situations such as emergency planning, flood risk management and service coordination - ensuring the right information is available when it matters most.
Ross Carter, Data & Intelligence Business Partner at NHS Property Services, said: “This is about making sure we have the right information to support the people who rely on our buildings every day - from NHS colleagues to patients and local communities. By improving the quality of our data, we can make better decisions, respond more quickly and ultimately support better care.”
This work forms part of NHSPS’s wider digital and data agenda, strengthening data quality, governance and capability across the organisation. Alongside initiatives such as its HSJ award-winning NHS Open Space digital space management solution , this is helping NHSPS better connect data, insight and estate planning to support improved patient care and more efficient services.
