We have been informed by NHS Improvement that this Trust currently uses the Message Exchange for Social Care & Health (MESH) tool to identify overseas visitors who may be eligible for NHS charging.
I would like to FOI request answers to the following six questions relating to the use of this tool:
1. When did the Trust adopt this tool?
2. Please provide copies of any meeting minutes or email correspondence with the Department of Health and Social Care or NHS England pertaining to the adoption or ongoing use of the MESH tool. Please also provide any documents/guidance sent to your trust regarding this.
3. Please provide copies of any documents outlining the rationale for the adoption and use of the MESH tool by the Trust. If available please include equality impact assessments, data protection assessments, and any local policies about the use of the MESH
4. How frequently are patient records submitted to MESH? i.e. on a daily/weekly basis.
5. What patient information is submitted to the MESH tool?
Please supply screenshots of an empty submission template if available
6a. Does the Trust upload the electronic records of all patients accessing Trust services to the MESH system? Yes/No
– If no, what criteria/algorithm does the Trust use to determine which patient records are uploaded? Please provide a copy of any policies or documents specifying the criteria determining which patient records are submitted to the MESH tool.

Download response Message Exchange for Social Care & Health (MESH) tool. 041120