NHS Provider Numbers

An Important Announcement from the Department of Health (DH)

The GHR has been cooperating with the Department of Health Brand Management Team in order to disseminate important information to Hypnotherapists with regard to the use of Independent Provider Codes (often referred to as NHS Provider Numbers).  Due to an increase in the misuse of the NHS identity by some practitioners, we would draw Registrants' attention to the following approved text:

NHSIA National Independent Provider Organisation Code

There has been some confusion that a provider code from the NHS Information Authority gives authority to use the NHS logo or the statement "NHS registered". This is not the case. The NHS Information Authority National Independent Provider Organisation Code letter clearly states that:

"The possession of an Independent Provider code in no way indicates that the Department of Health or the NHS acknowledges the competence or otherwise of the provider.  This code is merely used as a unique identifier of a person or organisation that contracts in the NHS internal market. 

Independent Providers cannot promote themselves to the public or the NHS as generic 'NHS Independent Providers', 'NHS Contractors' or similar.  For promotional purposes, contractors must specify which NHS organisation they are working for, after obtaining permission from that organisation.  Independent providers cannot use the NHS logo, which is a registered trademark to the Department of Health. 

If an independent provider breaches these terms for any purpose, appropriate action will be taken.  This may include referring the matter to the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service, which has responsibility for all policy and operational matters relating to the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud and corruption and the management of security in the National Health Service."

As independent providers, Hypnotherapists cannot use the NHS identity nor imply any association between themselves and the NHS.

The National Health Service (NHS) logo is a registered trademark (2139445) in the name of the Department of Health.  Use of the NHS logo, or local NHS organisation logotypes, signifies to the audience NHS involvement in or endorsement of the services and information supplied. For this reason, care is taken to ensure that the logo is not used where there is no accountability to the NHS.

Our aim is not to prevent hypnotherapists from promoting their services, but to ensure that the relationship with the NHS is clearly explained to other NHS organisations and the public.

Yours sincerely,

The Department of Health Brand Management Team

Hypnotherapist reading this should pay attention to this information.  There is and continues to be a lot of confusion within the profession about what NHS provider numbers mean.  This information comes directly from the horses mouth.  If in doubt contact the branding team, whose details appear below. If you wish to report an alleged infringement, DO NOT report it to us.  We will not act on it. Instead report your concerns directly to the branding team below...

 

Department of Health

Brand Management Team

Richmond House

79 Whitehall

London SW1A 2NL
 

Click here to see a suggested letter of complaint