The following tools/options may be of benefit both in normal operation and during business continuity/disaster recovery (BCDR) incidents. These require suitable governance, planning prior to such events. If, after reviewing the details of an item, you wish to pursue it -  first ensure you approach your Data Protection Officer (whether accessed via surgery equipment or personal devices).

This article acts as signposting guide and includes some limited suggestions; business continuity planning is the responsibilty of each individual service.

Surgery laptops

If your power or network is down, a laptop with an alternative connection (separate business network, tethered to phone etc) can enable any urgent matters to occur with the full options of your clinical system. Ensure laptops are regularly updated/patched and have adequate power to be of used in a BCDR incident. Ensure devices are not left in locations where they cannot be recovered urgently.

National Care Records Service (NCRS)

Access patient demographics, Summary Care Records and other centralised records and documents without HSCN - NCRS is available on normal internet traffic via web browser.

More: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-care-records-service

Suggestions:

• Ensure the URL to NCRS (or NHS Spine Portal) is available from central surgery resources such as solutions that will still be available if you have no HSCN connection. e.g. Web-based intranet / SharePoint site / documentation
• Ensure staff have registered alternative authenticator options e.g. NHS.net Connect account, Authenticator app, etc
  i.e. Not solely reliant on smartcards (which at time of writing, require HSCN)

Brigid (SystmOne Clinician App)

Access patient records and (own) appointment rotas. Includes limited data entry and Tasks options.

More: https://tpp-uk.com/products/brigid/

Internet SystmOne

Access all functions of SystmOne that do not require a Spine connection.
Spine authentication is possible with suitable non-smartcard authenticator types (Security key, CIS2 Passkey etc) or smartcards with the necessary software (Smartcard Connect). At time of writing (Dec 2025) it's not clear if EPS signing is currently possible, but anticipated with upcoming updates from NHS Digital and system suppliers.

More: (Within SystmOne) Help > Support & FAQs > Documents & Training Guides: Internet SystmOne

SystmOne Mobile Working

Access records and limited data entry options.

More: (Within SystmOne) Help > Support & FAQs > Documents & Training Guides: Mobile Working