Hello all,

I promised to summarise the information I gleaned about retention of library documents, so here it is:

The Department of Health has published guidance, mainly relating to its own internal processes. This can be found at:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4100944&chk=feQFcF

There is also guidance available in the document 'Records management: NHS code of practice', which is available from:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4131747&chk=tMmN39

A Trust in the South of England was given the following guidance by the Trust Records Manager in relation to this:

'The DOH have issued a new Code of Practice for Records Management and retention periods have changed. Trusts are instructed not apply a shorter retention than the minimum in the schedule. There are changes and new listings. The following may apply to your area of work:

Library registration forms = 2 years after registration

I will be amending the Trust's own retention schedule in the light of the new guidance. In the meantime review of documents for destruction must include reference to the new guidance and you should comply with any extended retention periods.'

It has also been pointed out that there is an error in the section about copyright declaration forms, and this has already been queried with the DoH.

Also suggested was Health Service Circular HSC1999/053 'For the record: Managing records in NHS Trust and Health Authorities' Appendix A and B.

Many thanks to everyone who replied to the message.

 

Jason.

 

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Jason Curtis
Electronic Resources Librarian
Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Shropshire Education & Conference Centre Library
Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Shrewsbury SY3 8XQ
Tel: 01743 492511
Email: [log in to unmask]
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