This information is correct at the time of publishing
Introducing improved shared mailbox naming for existing shared mailboxes
To support response to Covid-19 priorities and following our survey in December 2019 on the naming convention of the NHSmail shared mailboxes, we have taken steps to implement a positive change for NAS managed organisations.
As the final part of the phased approach, we will be implementing a new shared mailbox naming convention (outlined below) for existing shared mailboxes from 11 September 2020.
| Community Pharmacy | Shared mailbox email address | pharmacy.ODScode@nhs.net |
| Display name | Pharmacy.ODScode (Pharmacy name, Town) | |
| Dentistry | Shared mailbox email address | dental.ODScode@nhs.net |
| Display name | Dental.ODScode (Dental practice name, Town) | |
| Social Care | Shared mailbox email address | care.ODScode@nhs.net |
| Display name | Care.ODScode (Care home name, Town) | |
| Optometry | Shared mailbox email address | optometry.ODScode@nhs.net |
| Display name | Optometry.ODScode (Optometry name, Town) |
The first phase in July 2020, applied the new naming convention to newly created shared mailboxes in Community Pharmacy, Dentistry and Social care.
The second phase will include the existing shared mailboxes for Community Pharmacy, Dentistry and Social care. It will also include both newly created and existing shared mailboxes for Optometry.
An improved display name will also be implemented, providing more information to the email recipient about the organisation that the shared mailbox belongs to, without this information being included in the email address itself.
What action do I need to take?
Continue to use your shared mailbox as normal.
We will send an email notification to your shared mailbox to advise of the new shared mailbox email address. An alias will be created for your previous email address so you will still receive emails should anyone continue to email to it.
Further guidance
Guidance and information for NHSmail users managed by the NAS, including the use of shared mailboxes, is available on the NHSmail support site:
NHSmail guide for NAS managed organisations
Shared mailbox guide for NHSmail
Information on ODS codes including a search function to find an organisation’s ODS code is available on the ODS portal.
You can use the NHS Directory (people finder) to search for details of other colleagues that use NHSmail.
| Last Reviewed Date | 18/09/2020 |
