UK Mail Group is planning to expand its operation to target healthcare trusts after completing a government assessment that enables its hybrid mail service, imail, to handle sensitive mail for the NHS.
The company said its imail service scored a 100% rating in the Connecting for Health (CFH) Information Government Toolkit assessment after undergoing a “stringent” test in ensuring it complied with NHS security requirements.
imail has now been approved to maintain the confidentiality and security of personal information such as medical records, test results and appointment reminders.
The hybrid mail service allows the creation, proofing and sending of communications electronically, to be printed out and mailed in physical form locally to the recipient. Items sent electronically by 3pm can be sent next-day, or two-day if sent before 6pm.
UK Mail claims the service can lead to significant cost savings for mailers, from one letter to bulk mailing, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of mailing by as much as 80%, because it is printed and sorted at a facility closest to the mail’s destination. UK Mail currently has 53 sites around the UK, claiming to handle about 17% of the UK’s addressed mail.
Andy Barber, general manager for imail, said: “The CFH status demonstrates imail’s ability to provide a secure and efficient service. We have been through all the necessary safeguards process and delighted to have achieved the CFH status.
“As well as providing reassurance, this confirms our commitment to providing quality, value-added services into the NHS.”
