All extracts are to be sent in the form of a fixed format file, in the sequence set out below.
The file should be submitted via the secure upload mechanism located on the NHS Wales Data Switching Service (NWDSS) - https://nwdss.wales.nhs.uk. Further technical information relating to the submission of the data set can be found on the https://nwdss.wales.nhs.uk (NHS Wales users only).
Returns should be submitted weekly and signed off in the NWDSS by Local Health Boards (LHBs) / Trusts by 2pm every Tuesday. Weekly extract should provide the data position as at midnight on the Monday of that week.
Weekly APC extract to provide data for the reporting month and previous month. Note that this extract does not require full validation upon loading.
On 3rd Tuesday of each month submit validated data submission. Validated extract can provide a larger period of back data as required by the health board/trust.
Monthly extract to provide data validated up to the end of the previous month, along with the unfinished episodes data to the current week.
Files can be uploaded to Validation at Source Service (VASS) before the weekly deadline to enable LHBs / Trusts to validate and correct their data. VASS Checks can be accessed via the following link: https://nwdss.wales.nhs.uk/CheckLogic/chkstart.aspx?service=apc (NHS Wales users only).