Classification: Official
Publication reference: PR00219

This guidance outlines the steps users of the newborn blood spot failsafe solution (NBSFS) must take should the NBSFS become unavailable.

If NBSFS is unavailable

The screening provider should contact its IT department to find out if the unavailability of NBSFS is a local issue. If there is no local issue, users should inform the NBSFS helpdesk NBSFS.helpdesk@nhs.net.

Maternity users should:

• maintain a list of births and NHS numbers using information from the birth register in maternity (include home births and neonatal unit admissions, and use any other information such as bed status lists to make sure no baby is missed)
• inform neighbouring trusts about transfers of babies using communication routes other than NBSFS
• screen as usual within expected timescales.

Note that the above also applies if NBSFS is available but no new birth records are appearing. Check with your local IT department to find out if this is a local issue. If the problem is not local, contact the NBSFS.helpdesk@nhs.net and report the problem without delay.

Laboratory users should be aware that:

• demographic data may not be available
• upload of results to NBSFS might be delayed.

When the NBSFS system becomes available again

Maternity users should:

• check that babies from the collated list are appearing on NBSFS
• check that these babies eventually have results on NBSFS
• ensure transfers are actioned
• if babies are missing from NBSFS or details are incorrect, contact helpdesk@nhs.net.

Laboratory users should:

• check they are receiving demographic data
• check results have been uploaded to failsafe
• liaise with the NBSFS helpdesk to identify any batches of results that have failed to upload
• for any re-uploads, ensure the uploads are done in the correct order to avoid further issues
• if there are any issues, contact helpdesk@nhs.net.