Estates Returns Information Collection, Summary page and dataset for ERIC 2022/23

This document aims to set out the assessment of the quality of the data used to produce the Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC) 2022/23 publication in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics by using the European Statistical System (ESS) quality dimensions and principles appropriate for this publication.

This document aims to provide users with an evidence-based assessment of the quality of the statistical content of this publication by reporting against those of the nine European Statistical System (ESS) quality dimensions and principles [1] appropriate to this output. In doing so, this meets our obligation to comply with the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) Code of Practice for Statistics[2], particularly the Pillar of Quality, Principle 3 “Q3 Assured quality”, which states:

"Producers of statistics and data should explain clearly how they assure themselves that statistics and data are accurate, reliable, coherent and timely."

For each dimension, the relevant section briefly describes how this applies to the Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC) publication.

This report provides national and local level information from the ERIC return for the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. It comprises data from all NHS organisations in England providing NHS funded secondary care during the fiscal year ending 31st March. Reporting is at national and local level (see data definitions file published separately for details of metrics collected at Trust and Site level, and in the PFI return).

The scope and content of the ERIC collection are reviewed annually to ensure continued collection of information necessary for, and relevant to, monitoring efficiencies and funding of the NHS estate. The process of review is carried out annually through feedback from data providers and discussion with NHS England and other interested stakeholders. Changes to either or both of process and content of collection are ultimately subject to approval by NHS England and subsequently the Data Standards and Assurance Service (DSAS).

In 2022/23 ERIC data was published as soon as possible following receipt and validation of data. This publication is based on data relating to the financial year 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023 and the collection started following the end of the financial year 2022/3.

Data was collected, validated, and processed between April and September 2023 via the Estates Facilities Management (EFM) online system, with some additional validations being carried out via R processing routines to create reports, and any alterations being made online. ERIC data is normally published by NHS England (Formally Digital) in October, but is released later in 2023 due to work resourcing issues resulting from the NHS England merger with NHS Digital and other organisations, and scripting the new data validation process in R.

The ERIC release consists of a summary Excel report (containing key facts, summary national tables, trust and site level data, PFI data, and information on collection scope), .csv versions of the Trust, site and PFI data, and a data field definitions document (as issued to data providers to facilitate consistent return completion across England during the data collection phase). Data quality information is now presented as part of this page (and can be downloaded), rather than being in a separate report. 

For information on re-use of these data, please see the 'Introduction' worksheet.