What document types can be stored on the Repository?
All approved HSE national policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and national clinical guidelines (pdf format only).
How should National PPPGs/Clinical Guidelines be titled?
The title of every National PPPG/Clinical Guideline should begin with:
HSE National Policy, HSE National Procedure, HSE National Protocol, HSE National Guideline, HSE National Clinical Guideline for...
The document type must be referred to consistently throughout e.g. 'this policy' or 'this guideline'. The ideal number of characters is 65, so the published title on the Repository may be shortened to aid reading on mobile devices.
How do I submit a document for upload to the Repository?
Submit your completed document in pdf format to ncr.team@hse.ie
- NCR team review the cover pages only for accuracy e.g. correct version number.
- NCR team upload the document and provide the url link to the document on the Repository.
- The document owner is responsible to ensure the published information about their document on the Repository is correct.
- Previous versions of documents are archived by the NCR team.
Can the Repository accept additional documents for upload with my National PPPG/National Clinical Guideline?
No. The Repository can only accept one document in pdf format. If you have a suite of documents to accompany your National PPPG/National Clinical Guideline, these should be sent to digital@hse.ie for publication on your webpage.
How do I reference my document in other electronic locations?
- Important: Only use the Repository url link to reference your document in other electronic locations. For example, when launching your document via email or a national memo.
- Any updates to your document on the Repository page will automatically update in other locations that you use the NCR url link.
- Do not upload a pdf copy of your document elsewhere, this will not automatically update when your document on the Repository is updated.
How often should National PPPGs/Clinical Guidelines be reviewed?
A full formal review should be carried out every 3 years, in line with the review due date on the document. Publication of the updated document should be completed within 12 months of the review due date.
For more information, please refer to Section 2 Review and Update (page 47) of the Practical Guide for Developing HSE National PPPGs.
National Template:
How do I know when To Use the National Template
When you have defined your document as a National Policy, Procedure, Protocol, Guideline or National Clinical Guideline. Refer to the definitions table Page 53
How do I know when NOT To Use the National Template
When you are developing a local/site specific PPPG or departmental Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
How do I use the National Template?
The headings and layout in the template are simply a guide, so use what is relevant and appropriate for your national evidence-based document.
The supporting evidence that the document relies on must be included.
Do I need to complete the cover pages in the National Template?
Yes. Cover pages 2+3 of the National Template must be at the beginning of your document. The cover pages are required for strict document control, clear document ownership and meeting the publishing guidelines of the content management system.
National Document Development:
Where can I find support on developing HSE National PPPGs/Clinical Guidelines?
- Refer to the Practical Guide for Developing HSE National PPPGs.
- Refer to Appendix 3 (page 53) of the Guide for help on defining the document type you want to develop e.g. a policy, a procedure, a guideline etc.
- Additional resources for national document development are available to download from the Repository home page.
Where can I find information on implementing National documents at the local service delivery area?
- Refer to Stage 4 Implementation (page 31) of the Practical Guide for Developing HSE National PPPGs for guidance and resources.
- Where possible, National PPPGs/Clinical Guidelines should be developed so that they can be adhered to without the necessity to develop additional local documentation.
- To avoid or at least reduce the impact of this, national document Development Groups need early and ongoing engagement with implementers at the local level to plan a solution.
Who do I contact if no National document exists on a specific topic?
Staff who have identified the need for a National PPPG/Clinical Guideline, should firstly link in with their national colleagues relevant to the topic.
This will support standardisation of documentation on the same topic and reducing the risk of variation in practice.
How do I contact the National Central Repository team?
If you have a query, wish to advise us of a National PPPG or Clinical Guideline in development, want to upload a national document or have feedback on the Repository, please contact us at ncr.team@hse.ie.