# Scope & Vision FAQs **URL:** https://developer.community.nhs.uk/c/national-imaging-repository/scope-vision-faqs/112.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 Scope & Vision FAQs category](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/about-the-scope-vision-faqs-category/14501)
**Author:** [@akunna.ndubuisi1](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/akunna.ndubuisi1)\ **Replies:** 0
--- ## [How much historical imaging data will be available via NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-much-historical-imaging-data-will-be-available-via-nir/15243)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [24 September 2026 13:23 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-much-historical-imaging-data-will-be-available-via-nir/15243 "2026-09-24T13:23:38Z")
To support a consistent national approach and maximise the clinical value of the National Imaging Registry (NIR), organisations and suppliers connecting to NIR are expected to make available all eligible imaging studies … --- ## [As an imaging system provider for NIR, we are not considering XCA as we are treating XDS as legacy in favour of MHD and FHIR models. Can we still connect?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/as-an-imaging-system-provider-for-nir-we-are-not-considering-xca-as-we-are-treating-xds-as-legacy-in-favour-of-mhd-and-fhir-models-can-we-still-connect/14605)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [22 September 2026 15:34 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/as-an-imaging-system-provider-for-nir-we-are-not-considering-xca-as-we-are-treating-xds-as-legacy-in-favour-of-mhd-and-fhir-models-can-we-still-connect/14605 "2026-09-22T15:34:09Z")
The NIR MHD endpoint is currently in development, the NIR team shares this enthusiasm for future proofing the product by developing to modern interoperability frameworks. However, many systems are still dependant on the … --- ## [How will regional teams be engaged with this programme and implementation to ensure draw down of funds and implementation as per timescales?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-will-regional-teams-be-engaged-with-this-programme-and-implementation-to-ensure-draw-down-of-funds-and-implementation-as-per-timescales/14647)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 10:35 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-will-regional-teams-be-engaged-with-this-programme-and-implementation-to-ensure-draw-down-of-funds-and-implementation-as-per-timescales/14647 "2026-08-21T10:35:46Z")
DDC has already directly approached each Imaging Network to discuss their onboarding timetable and resource/funding needs for NIR. If you have any further enquiries, please contact DDC directly on england.diagnostics.ddc… --- ## [Will NIR also benefit NBSS PACS services that are often separate to main RIS PACS services?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-also-benefit-nbss-pacs-services-that-are-often-separate-to-main-ris-pacs-services/14646)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 09:34 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-also-benefit-nbss-pacs-services-that-are-often-separate-to-main-ris-pacs-services/14646 "2026-08-21T09:34:47Z")
Yes, we are in conversation with the NBSS team. --- ## [If NIR is implemented Nationally, why would we need IEP in the future?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/if-nir-is-implemented-nationally-why-would-we-need-iep-in-the-future/14626)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:19 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/if-nir-is-implemented-nationally-why-would-we-need-iep-in-the-future/14626 "2026-08-21T07:19:47Z")
IEP is not an NHSE product, it is a product from an external supplier and Trusts make their own decisions about how and when they use it, the DDC have shared a response on their position regarding this question on their … --- ## [How does NIR establish rules, so you don’t end up with non-priority imaging being shared? Can rules be applied for emergency imaging?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-does-nir-establish-rules-so-you-don-t-end-up-with-non-priority-imaging-being-shared-can-rules-be-applied-for-emergency-imaging/14625)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:18 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-does-nir-establish-rules-so-you-don-t-end-up-with-non-priority-imaging-being-shared-can-rules-be-applied-for-emergency-imaging/14625 "2026-08-21T07:18:15Z")
The organisations remain the controllers of the data they provide, there is an expectation, for all imaging up to and including 1/1/2023 is made available to NIR, however, we recognise there are some exceptions around da… --- ## [How does NIR connect, is this at a regional or local level? Can we integrate NIR at a ICB level?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-does-nir-connect-is-this-at-a-regional-or-local-level-can-we-integrate-nir-at-a-icb-level/14624)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:17 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-does-nir-connect-is-this-at-a-regional-or-local-level-can-we-integrate-nir-at-a-icb-level/14624 "2026-08-21T07:17:01Z")
This is left open for the organisations to decide on what type of connection would be best for them and their use-case(s). It’s possible to connect to NIR in a way that makes sense for you and your organisation. This c… --- ## [Can shared care record and EPR systems connect to NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/can-shared-care-record-and-epr-systems-connect-to-nir/14623)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:15 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/can-shared-care-record-and-epr-systems-connect-to-nir/14623 "2026-08-21T07:15:34Z")
NIR is in conversations with Shared Care Record providers, our roadmap includes connecting to non-imaging systems, if validated as a use-case for NIR and funding secured. NIR intends to integrate with non-imaging sy… --- ## [How is NIR going to impact HSCN/internet bandwidth with all these studies flying all over the country?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-is-nir-going-to-impact-hscn-internet-bandwidth-with-all-these-studies-flying-all-over-the-country/14622)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:14 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-is-nir-going-to-impact-hscn-internet-bandwidth-with-all-these-studies-flying-all-over-the-country/14622 "2026-08-21T07:14:35Z")
There is a decision paper in progress with the solution design group regarding HSCN concerns, decisions and outcomes regarding HSCN connectivity will follow. In the meantime, direct connections to the HSCN are not curren… --- ## [Would users just need the privilege to access NIR from within our imaging system?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/would-users-just-need-the-privilege-to-access-nir-from-within-our-imaging-system/14620)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:09 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/would-users-just-need-the-privilege-to-access-nir-from-within-our-imaging-system/14620 "2026-08-21T07:09:33Z")
There is a decision paper in progress with the NIR solution design group to understand if there needs to be a specific role created for NIR users. The suppliers may choose to implement this at their own discretion. Outco… --- ## [Is the NIR looking at creating a Master Patient Index which could potentially close the loop for patients without NHS numbers?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-the-nir-looking-at-creating-a-master-patient-index-which-could-potentially-close-the-loop-for-patients-without-nhs-numbers/14618)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:08 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-the-nir-looking-at-creating-a-master-patient-index-which-could-potentially-close-the-loop-for-patients-without-nhs-numbers/14618 "2026-08-21T07:08:51Z")
No, all NHSE products use a validated NHS number as the primary id. There is a national expectation that organisations should be including NHS number in the patient ID set. --- ## [Will NIR be available to the GP surgeries as well?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-be-available-to-the-gp-surgeries-as-well/14617)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:08 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-be-available-to-the-gp-surgeries-as-well/14617 "2026-08-21T07:08:25Z")
Supporting primary care and community care workflows is on the discovery roadmap for NIR, there are some unknowns that will need to be worked out with the help of our cross-functional SMEs. Presently these use-cases woul… --- ## [Let's imagine we send images for a patient today to another trust via NIR. If a consultant requests the images in two months' time via the NIR, will the images have a different UID (leading to duplicate) or will have the same UID?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/lets-imagine-we-send-images-for-a-patient-today-to-another-trust-via-nir-if-a-consultant-requests-the-images-in-two-months-time-via-the-nir-will-the-images-have-a-different-uid-leading-to-duplicate-or-will-have-the-same-uid/14616)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:07 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/lets-imagine-we-send-images-for-a-patient-today-to-another-trust-via-nir-if-a-consultant-requests-the-images-in-two-months-time-via-the-nir-will-the-images-have-a-different-uid-leading-to-duplicate-or-will-have-the-same-uid/14616 "2026-08-21T07:07:40Z")
NIR requires that any onboarding organisation collaborates with their supplier to ensure no duplicate images are presented back on query. Please see the NIR duplicate policy for more information \[https://digital.nhs… --- ## [What is the advantage of this over procuring a national PACS for England, as has been done in Scotland and Wales?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/what-is-the-advantage-of-this-over-procuring-a-national-pacs-for-england-as-has-been-done-in-scotland-and-wales/14615)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:06 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/what-is-the-advantage-of-this-over-procuring-a-national-pacs-for-england-as-has-been-done-in-scotland-and-wales/14615 "2026-08-21T07:06:35Z")
NIR supports a competitive imaging market, as opposed to creating a monopoly - allowing systems to choose the best technical solution for their local patients/clinical need, and indeed to change between systems. The… --- ## [Will demographic updates be in place for NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-demographic-updates-be-in-place-for-nir/14614)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:05 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-demographic-updates-be-in-place-for-nir/14614 "2026-08-21T07:05:07Z")
PDS is the service required for demographic updates – this is a separate NHSE product to NIR. --- ## [How come NIR is a query and retrieve model, rather than streaming the images?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-come-nir-is-a-query-and-retrieve-model-rather-than-streaming-the-images/14613)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:03 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/how-come-nir-is-a-query-and-retrieve-model-rather-than-streaming-the-images/14613 "2026-08-21T07:03:58Z")
NIR works on the functionality of retrieval, this is based on clinical decisions. When considering the scale of NIR, in addition to the clinical and technical input from our SME’s, a query and retrieve model is favoured… --- ## [Will the NIR solution be available to CDC providers?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-the-nir-solution-be-available-to-cdc-providers/14612)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:03 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-the-nir-solution-be-available-to-cdc-providers/14612 "2026-08-21T07:03:14Z")
CDC providers would likely come under the Edge Case process for NIR at this point in-time. We are engaged in conversation with some suppliers to better understand the requirements for this clinical workflow. The NIR road… --- ## [Is the regional imaging network a pre-requisite to NIR or can this be direct till that programme concludes?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-the-regional-imaging-network-a-pre-requisite-to-nir-or-can-this-be-direct-till-that-programme-concludes/14611)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:02 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-the-regional-imaging-network-a-pre-requisite-to-nir-or-can-this-be-direct-till-that-programme-concludes/14611 "2026-08-21T07:02:32Z")
We can support direct and shared connections and combinations of both, please engage with your imaging network lead on what the best approach is for your trust. --- ## [Is NIR aimed to compliment the CDIP and image sharing networks?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-nir-aimed-to-compliment-the-cdip-and-image-sharing-networks/14609)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 07:00 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/is-nir-aimed-to-compliment-the-cdip-and-image-sharing-networks/14609 "2026-08-21T07:00:42Z")
The purpose of NIR is to enable national sharing of imaging, not to replace any local or regional strategies around imaging system procurement such as PACS/RIS. --- ## [Can private providers use NIR?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/can-private-providers-use-nir/14608)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 06:59 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/can-private-providers-use-nir/14608 "2026-08-21T06:59:51Z")
Yes, some may be considered edge cases, however, please get in touch if you have a use-case. --- ## [Quality in NIR is dependent on the quality of the metadata in the source systems, since we offer a CDR capability that stores data from a large range of sources, some of which may be legacy and have limited metadata?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/quality-in-nir-is-dependent-on-the-quality-of-the-metadata-in-the-source-systems-since-we-offer-a-cdr-capability-that-stores-data-from-a-large-range-of-sources-some-of-which-may-be-legacy-and-have-limited-metadata/14607)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 06:58 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/quality-in-nir-is-dependent-on-the-quality-of-the-metadata-in-the-source-systems-since-we-offer-a-cdr-capability-that-stores-data-from-a-large-range-of-sources-some-of-which-may-be-legacy-and-have-limited-metadata/14607 "2026-08-21T06:58:55Z")
We have developed against IHE XCA/MHD standards, as the data controller the quality of data is onerous to the producing system. We are working closely with the NHSE clinical data standards team to help frame national ap… --- ## [Will NIR replace any existing systems local image storage and retrieval?](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-replace-any-existing-systems-local-image-storage-and-retrieval/14606)
**Author:** [@Cherie\_Norton](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Cherie_Norton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [21 August 2026 06:56 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/will-nir-replace-any-existing-systems-local-image-storage-and-retrieval/14606 "2026-08-21T06:56:59Z")
NIR does not replace any existing systems, we are connecting existing systems. Your local autonomy, workflows and clinical pathways remain unchanged by NIR. NIR should be invisible to an end user. Please see the function…