CDs and CD readers

I want to use this blog to clarify the N3i position on the use of CDs and CD device readers. CDs are now outdated technology and as such represent a risk to our systems and data. There are safer and more secure ways to store and transmit data, mostly through NHS Mail and the Egress application. Users across our area must not create any further CDs containing data. Where they receive a CD with data on it this should be returned to the sender. We recognise that occasionally CDs are found in Lloyd George envelopes and other locations so in the rare occasion that a GP Practice have a CD that they need to access N3i have a plug in CD reader that can be delivered by an engineer to the practice. Once the data has been read and downloaded the CD Reader can be returned to N3i and the CD destroyed. As a final option a Practice can purchase their own CD reader for use in the Practice if they think the work justifies it, but they must take responsibility for destroying any CDs they have.