- 09 | 12 | 2025
The National Data Repository (NDR) represents the NHS’s vision for seamless, interoperable digital health records. Lloyd George envelopes? They’re not part of that vision.
If your ICB has mentioned NDR readiness, digitisation timelines, or full record upload capability, you’re feeling the pressure. And that pressure is only going to increase.
Here’s the question every practice manager is asking: “Do we need to scan everything for NDR, and if so, how quickly?”
Let’s cut through the noise.
Need to understand your NDR timeline?
Book a free consultation to discuss your practice's specific requirements.A centralised, standardised digital records system where patient information moves seamlessly between providers, accessible anywhere in the NHS.
We’re getting there, but we’re not there yet.
NHS England’s own guidance acknowledges: “Most electronic record systems are not currently fully interoperable and do not fully support data sharing, although work is ongoing.”
Translation? The infrastructure is improving, but it’s still evolving.
The NHS wants all historical paper records digitised and uploaded to NDR eventually. The pace and timing? That depends on your ICB, your practice’s circumstances, and how the infrastructure develops.
Some ICBs are pushing hard for complete digitisation now. Others are taking a more measured approach.
This is where it gets confusing. “NDR-ready” doesn’t have a universal definition yet because NDR itself is still developing.
Your Lloyd George records need to be:
The Challenge – Not all clinical systems handle uploaded Lloyd George scans the same way. Some integrate better than others. Some support searchability. Some don’t.
What bulk scanning gives you – Digital records that meet scanning quality standards and are uploaded to your system. When NDR capabilities improve, you’re positioned to take advantage immediately.
Counting down to NDR Compliance
Let’s be straight: nobody knows exactly when full NDR integration will be mandatory or what specific format requirements will be finalised.
NHS England is clear about the direction. The exact timeline? Less clear.
What this means for your decision:
If you’re waiting for perfect clarity before digitising, you might wait a while. The infrastructure is developing alongside digitisation projects, not before them.
Practices that move forward with bulk scanning now are:
Who are OASIS? Healthcare records specialists working exclusively with NHS practices for over 20 years. We understand GP operations, ICB pressures, and budget realities because that’s all we do.
Learn more about OASIS ScanningIf you decide bulk back scanning is right for your NDR preparation, choosing the right partner matters enormously.
General document scanning companies don’t understand GP practice operations
Your records must meet Digital Standard of Practice requirements
Works with your EMIS, SystmOne, or other system
Defined timelines, regular updates, single point of contact
Help with NDR queries, format questions, integration issues
Secure records storage facilities, full audit trails
The National Data Repository represents a significant shift in how NHS patient records are managed and shared. Lloyd George envelopes don’t fit that future.
Your ICB knows it. You know it. The question is timing and approach.
Bulk back scanning offers:
It works best when you have funding available, clear ICB requirements, and prefer defined projects over ongoing programmes.
The infrastructure will continue developing. Requirements will evolve. But practices that digitise now – in whatever format makes sense for them – will be better positioned than those waiting for perfect clarity.
Talk to an expertTalk to our NHS records specialists about bulk scanning, phased approaches, or hybrid options.
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