NHS e-libraries

There are national e-libraries for each of the four UK countries providing online resources and information about local services. Access to some of the databases, full-text journals and electronic books is limited to NHS and social care staff in the relevant country, but there is also much information that is free to all. Please check the websites below for details of eligibility and how to obtain passwords.

• NHS Evidence - England
  Provides free access to clinical and non-clinical information which includes evidence, guidance and Government policy. NHS staff can access the full text of paid for journals via a password. NHS Evidence includes a wide range of specialist collections on common medical conditions, topics and health population. The search function provides a simultaneous search across these and many other key web sources of clinical and social care information, and results are ranked according to relevance and quality. Users can register to create a My Evidence space to help them keep up to date with the latest evidence in their field.
  
• HONNI - (Health on the Net Northern Ireland)
  Honni is for all employees of the Health and Social Care Services (HSC) and Public Safety (PS) authorities in Northern Ireland. Access to thousands of electronic journals, e-books and databases is via registration with one of the medical and healthcare library sites in Northern Ireland.
  
• The Knowledge Network - Scotland
  The Knowledge Network offers a wide range of resources and services for everyone working and learning in Scotland’s health and social services. It aims to provide information, e-learning and community tools and support all staff to 'find, share and use knowledge in day to day work and learning'. Access to certain full text journals, books and databases is available only to NHS Scotland staff and related social care and public health staff. But any user can access resources such as the Knowledge Service portals which cover different topics and activities. An Evidence into Practice portal helps clinicians to find, share and apply evidence to practice. Also freely available is the Virtual Learning Centre which provides online learning resources for IT, management, core skills and lifeskills.
  
• NHS Wales e-library for health
  The e-Library is 'aimed at effective health care delivery by providing relevant and timely information to support NHS Wales'. Access to licensed e-resources is via Athens registration but there is also some freely available content. Resources can be accessed under categories such as ‘find the evidence’ and ‘supporting your decisions’ or through an A-Z list.