Background

It is a GMS Contractual requirement for all practices to submit an Annual Return and Review to the commissioner (ICB).

The eDEC using NHS England’s Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) is the preferred and easiest method for completing this return.https://datacollection.sdcs.digital.nhs.uk/

If you have any questions about accessing or submitting to eDEC, email the national service desk with eDEC in the subject line: ssd.nationalservicedesk@nhs.net

The collection window is Monday 14 October until Monday 25 November 2024.  If a Practice misses this deadline, they will have to complete a manual return to the ICB which is more time consuming.

How to complete the return using the eDEC

Log into SDCS during the collection window to access eforms by clicking on Submissions/New/Create. Once your practice completes a submission, you will receive an email notification receipt with a PDF attachment which includes a copy of your return. Please keep the receipt and copy of your return for your records.

Only GP practice staff members who already have an SDCS user account to submit their practice eDEC are eligible to access the NHS GP Catchment Hub to view, edit and update their catchment area. If you don’t have access to the hub and already have an SDCS user account please contact  ssd.nationalservicedesk@nhs.net so this can be looked into.

In the 2024/25 collection practices will be provided with a summary page to help easily identify any revisions and new questions.