How can I access NHS bibliographic databases, journals and other resources?
Answer
Here is advice on how to access NHS databases, journals and other resources. This advice applies just to England - if you are in the NHS in another home nation, please contact your local NHS library for advice.
Databases
The NHS has access to Embase, Emcare, HMIC, Social Policy and Practice, and Trip Pro (see separate FAQ). The University does not have these resources. If you are an undergraduate health student, you can use your NHS Athens account to access these. If you are not entitled to an NHS Athens account, you cannot get access.
Please note the NHS lost access to AMED and the British Nursing Index on 1st July 2025. Please contact us at librarians@le.ac.uk if you need more information.
Access NHS databases through the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub. Click Start your Search, then on the left, Further Resources. Choose the resource you want. Embase, Emcare, HMIC and Social Policy and Practice are under "Ovid Databases". You will see an NHS Athens login screen. Login with your NHS Athens credentials. If you do not see this NHS Athens screen, clear cookies and browser cache, refresh the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub page, and try these steps again.
Note that the NHS Ovid databases default to Basic search. Change to Advanced before searching.
Journals
Go to the Hub as above. Click Start your Search, then on the left click Publications A-Z. If you see an NHS Athens login screen, login with your NHS Athens credentials.
Please contact us at librarians@le.ac.uk if you need any more information.
Other resources
Access to eLearning for Healthcare is possible using your NHS Athens account - see separate FAQ. Access to the NHS Learning Hub is also possible using your NHS Athens account. This is under Further Resources in the Hub. This is a collection of learning materials from different sources, compiled by Health Education England.
Access to BMJ Best Practice is possible using your NHS Athens account - see separate FAQ.