N3 (which replaces NHSnet) is a secure wide area network connecting NHS organisations and managed for the NHS by BT.

Connections to N3 are strictly controlled by the Connecting for Health Information Governance group (previously by NHS Information Authority), which specifies the security required and data protocols allowed under its Code of Connect agreements. Similarly, it controls access to or from the Internet through managed gateways.

Organisations wishing to provide information or applications to their NHS partners over NHSnet/N3 are faced with a choice of applying for their own Code of Connection, which requires a considerable investment in time (typically 6 months), effort and infrastructure, or partnering with one of the restricted number of organisations able to use their own Code of Connect for these purposes. 

Carelink Specialist Hosting

ioko provides a range of hosting solutions through its Carelink managed hosting platform; from generic packages through to complex, multi-server hosting architectures.

We run many specialist servers for the NHS and their partners, from single servers forr trusts and health authorities, to server farms for high capacity, high availability applications such as the MHRA websites and the Agenda for Change application.

We have a team of skilled system engineers who will help specify and optimise whatever system architecture is required, providing expert advice on resiliency, performance, security, storage and access.

Using us helps to simplify and expedite obtaining an approved NHSnet/N3 connection. Typically we can implement within a few weeks of first contact.

We operate under a Change Control Notification mechanism to the NHS CfH Information Governance – Security Group, allowing us to provide straightforward and rapid access combined with the features expected of a world class hosting organisation. Note that this will be changing to self certification in the near future.

You can find out more about obtaining a Code of Connect Third party connection from the NHS Information Authority. 

We are able to act as a full outsource partner for a wide range of infrastrcuture and applications, including Microsoft Exchange, bespoke applications etc. We can offer complete application level support in most cases, with dedicated racks, backup services, anti-intrusion control and all the facilities expected of a world class infrastructure provider.

Key Benefits

• Secure connections to the Internet and N3. Which allows you to provides your sites and applications on both, simultaneously; sharing content,  data and access without duplication of effort
• Housed in a world class secure, hardened data centre to ensure that your data and systems are protected
• Fully managed by our experts, freeing up your team while receiving best in class, hassle free support
• Full server architecture consulting and design to ensure your operational objectives are met
• Server build, installation and maintenance included, so that you can concentrate on your business not the hardware
• 24x7 monitoring and class leading reliability to ensure your applications are available when needed
• Expedited Code of Connection approval process greatly reduces the time and effort to establish your connection