GCSX-N3 Interconnect
Connecting Local Authorities and the NHS
GCSX – N3 Interconnect provides secure network connectivity between the Government Connect Secure Extranet (GCSX) and the NHS N3 network, which means:
- Local authorities can securely and conveniently access both National NHS applications hosted on the NHS Spine as well as appropriately controlled* locally hosted NHS Trust applications, using their existing GCSX connections.
- NHS Trust staff can securely access appropriately controlled local authority hosted Social Care systems through their existing N3 connections.
- It is not necessary for local authorities to obtain or maintain discrete N3 connections or point to point connections to NHS Trusts.
This capability creates huge opportunity for improved integration of health and social care services by enabling information to be shared more effectively and efficiently.
As well as being able to share patient data securely with NHSmail users via emails over GCSX, local authority staff can now gain record-level access to both national and local NHS applications from their own desktop via GCSX.
What can you do with the new GCSX N3 Interconnect service?
There are two types of services available on the N3 network that local authority staff can now access via GCSX:
NHS Spine Portal services - nationally available applications currently accessed by authorised N3 users, and
Locally hosted services - applications hosted locally within an NHS Trust or local authority and used by local users within the NHS or the local authority.
In addition to this the GCSX N3 Interconnect service makes it possible for NHS Trust N3 users to access appropriately controlled applications hosted within a local authority.
Because the service is provided over existing Government Secure Intranet infrastructure it is cost effective as well as resilient, robust and reliable.
What are the benefits of the new N3 Interconnect Service?
- Cost – The new service is delivered over the existing GCSX infrastructure and costs less than an equivalent dedicated N3 line. Local authorities will only need to manage their existing GCSX connection and will not need to procure, install and manage an additional NHS connection.
- Security – Providing the N3 service in this way means the Accreditation is more manageable, reduces risk, and utilises an Accredited GCSX connection already in place.
- Speed of set-up – the new service operates across existing secure government infrastructure. As a result the service can be adopted quickly without the need to install new infrastructure.
- Operational Support - The C&WW secure hosting team has extensive experience in managing and monitoring services within this environment.
What do I need to do to get the service?
For further information please contact Cable & Wireless Worldwide on 0800 316 0245 or email gsicustomerservices@cw.com alternatively, please contact Buying Solutions on 0345 410 2222 or email network.services@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk.
* All incidences of enabling access to locally hosted services and applications across the GCSX N3 Interconnect will be subject to the GSi Request for Change (RFC) process.