# Functional Capabilities FAQs **URL:** https://developer.community.nhs.uk/c/national-imaging-repository/functional-capabilities-faqs/113.md [Latest](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/latest.md) · [Categories](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/categories.md) · [Tags](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/tags.md) --- ## [About the Functional Capabilities FAQs category](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/about-the-functional-capabilities-faqs-category/14502)
**Author:** [@akunna.ndubuisi1](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/akunna.ndubuisi1)\ **Replies:** 0
--- ## [When a search in NIR is done, and a site is down (for service etc) is the user aware of this?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/when-a-search-in-nir-is-done-and-a-site-is-down-for-service-etc-is-the-user-aware-of-this/14670)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 11:18 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/when-a-search-in-nir-is-done-and-a-site-is-down-for-service-etc-is-the-user-aware-of-this/14670 "2026-08-21T11:18:13Z")
NIR presents relevant error code to the connected system making the query, how that error code is presented in the UI is up to the supplier, this scenario should be covered as part of UAT testing with your supplier. Pl… --- ## [How would NIR interact with current regional image sharing such as a global worklist solution?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-would-nir-interact-with-current-regional-image-sharing-such-as-a-global-worklist-solution/14669)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:58 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-would-nir-interact-with-current-regional-image-sharing-such-as-a-global-worklist-solution/14669 "2026-08-21T10:58:30Z")
We are currently engaging all imaging system suppliers, due to differences in local/regional architectures, who know how NIR works, it is best to initially discuss with your supplier who will understand the exact require… --- ## [In a NIR presentation, you mentioned 'sharing in real time' - what are the expected image display times from clicking a button to seeing a usable image?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/in-a-nir-presentation-you-mentioned-sharing-in-real-time-what-are-the-expected-image-display-times-from-clicking-a-button-to-seeing-a-usable-image/14668)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:57 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/in-a-nir-presentation-you-mentioned-sharing-in-real-time-what-are-the-expected-image-display-times-from-clicking-a-button-to-seeing-a-usable-image/14668 "2026-08-21T10:57:56Z")
The system works on a retrieval/download mechanism, rather than streaming. NIR is more “on demand” than “in real time”. At this stage we can communicate SLA aims till we have the data to confirm real world response times… --- ## [Will images be available in NIR before they are reported? Could we use NIR to make images available for cross-organisational reporting and return reports?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-images-be-available-in-nir-before-they-are-reported-could-we-use-nir-to-make-images-available-for-cross-organisational-reporting-and-return-reports/14667)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:56 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-images-be-available-in-nir-before-they-are-reported-could-we-use-nir-to-make-images-available-for-cross-organisational-reporting-and-return-reports/14667 "2026-08-21T10:56:55Z")
NIR can extract data from the provider systems for any images regardless of reported state. NIR is asking providers to ensure all imaging data from 1/1/2023 is made available via NIR. Please see https://digital.nhs.… --- ## [Are you developing generic specs for PACS/ RIS procurement, when will these be available?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/are-you-developing-generic-specs-for-pacs-ris-procurement-when-will-these-be-available/14666)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:54 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/are-you-developing-generic-specs-for-pacs-ris-procurement-when-will-these-be-available/14666 "2026-08-21T10:54:59Z")
Where DDC is asked to fund PACS/RIS investments there are specific procurement pathways that are required to be followed. These pathways also provide this kind of advice and information for Trusts and Networks. Any furth… --- ## [Will NIR be using HSCN for the connectivity?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-be-using-hscn-for-the-connectivity/14665)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:53 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-be-using-hscn-for-the-connectivity/14665 "2026-08-21T10:53:37Z")
Please see the API page for the current status of HSCN connectivity with NIR https://digital.nhs.uk/developer/api-catalogue/national-imaging-registry-api#overview--network-access There is a decision paper in progress w… --- ## [Is there any MFA associated with the NIR system?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-there-any-mfa-associated-with-the-nir-system/14664)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:52 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-there-any-mfa-associated-with-the-nir-system/14664 "2026-08-21T10:52:59Z")
NIR does not have a UI, therefore there is not authentication for NIR at a user level, that would happen in your existing system. However, as an API there is an application-level authentication model https://digital.nhs.… --- ## [How will NIR handle existing imports we already have in our system? Will it show twice (or multiple times) in NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-will-nir-handle-existing-imports-we-already-have-in-our-system-will-it-show-twice-or-multiple-times-in-nir/14663)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:52 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-will-nir-handle-existing-imports-we-already-have-in-our-system-will-it-show-twice-or-multiple-times-in-nir/14663 "2026-08-21T10:52:01Z")
By default, for a system connected to NIR as both a producing and consuming system, NIR excludes local results from the response. https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-imaging-registry/functional-capabilities --- ## [How would NIR work across a shared imaging system, if Trust A "pulls" the image then Trust B also try to pull the same image would it create another copy on the system?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-would-nir-work-across-a-shared-imaging-system-if-trust-a-pulls-the-image-then-trust-b-also-try-to-pull-the-same-image-would-it-create-another-copy-on-the-system/14662)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:50 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-would-nir-work-across-a-shared-imaging-system-if-trust-a-pulls-the-image-then-trust-b-also-try-to-pull-the-same-image-would-it-create-another-copy-on-the-system/14662 "2026-08-21T10:50:48Z")
This would be subject to the supplier’s discretion in terms of how this behaviour is handled in their system, however both suppliers and trust should be aware of the governance aspects of NIR including the duplicate poli… --- ## [What happens when one Trust uses another Trust’s or private hospital scanning facility - images transferred locally to report or reported using NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/what-happens-when-one-trust-uses-another-trust-s-or-private-hospital-scanning-facility-images-transferred-locally-to-report-or-reported-using-nir/14661)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:49 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/what-happens-when-one-trust-uses-another-trust-s-or-private-hospital-scanning-facility-images-transferred-locally-to-report-or-reported-using-nir/14661 "2026-08-21T10:49:54Z")
The trust that did the scanning would make data available in NIR, the trust needing the results would need to query and retrieve them once available. --- ## [Do we know the mechanism for not sharing images in NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/do-we-know-the-mechanism-for-not-sharing-images-in-nir/14660)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:48 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/do-we-know-the-mechanism-for-not-sharing-images-in-nir/14660 "2026-08-21T10:48:54Z")
Images, reports and studies will need to be made available in the producing system to show in NIR responses. The data controller will have control over this status. By default, systems that are both producing and consu… --- ## [Could you clarify how the NRL links into NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/could-you-clarify-how-the-nrl-links-into-nir/14659)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:48 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/could-you-clarify-how-the-nrl-links-into-nir/14659 "2026-08-21T10:48:12Z")
NRL is just one potential solution for NIR to use as the central registry element. The NIR team and solution design group are looking at all available options for this functionality. More details will follow a decision, … --- ## [Regarding the NIR centralised registry. Is that going to contain any radiology/imaging documentation or is that more of an index to help know which community members have data for which patients?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/regarding-the-nir-centralised-registry-is-that-going-to-contain-any-radiology-imaging-documentation-or-is-that-more-of-an-index-to-help-know-which-community-members-have-data-for-which-patients/14658)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:47 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/regarding-the-nir-centralised-registry-is-that-going-to-contain-any-radiology-imaging-documentation-or-is-that-more-of-an-index-to-help-know-which-community-members-have-data-for-which-patients/14658 "2026-08-21T10:47:28Z")
The centralised registry will be an index of pointers to metadata rather than storing images. NRL is one direction we could take; however, we are also considering other solutions that solve the same problem --- ## [What is the performance profile for NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/what-is-the-performance-profile-for-nir/14657)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:46 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/what-is-the-performance-profile-for-nir/14657 "2026-08-21T10:46:07Z")
NIR performance will be tested against our SLAs, currently we are Bronze, and are hoping to apply for Gold later in the financial year. End-to-end performance will be impacted by the connected systems in the workflow; we… --- ## [How are imaging suppliers going to present NIR errors?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-are-imaging-suppliers-going-to-present-nir-errors/14656)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:45 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-are-imaging-suppliers-going-to-present-nir-errors/14656 "2026-08-21T10:45:25Z")
Please speak to your supplier about how errors are presented in the user interface for their products. https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-imaging-registry/functional-capabilities