Open Data NHS Scotland

API

Free health data API for NHS Scotland statistics and medical reference datasets

Overview

The Open Data NHS Scotland API offers RESTful access to trusted medical reference data and public health statistics from Public Health Scotland. Responses are in JSON format, with endpoints covering disease prevalence, healthcare service utilization, drug prescribing trends, and demographic health indicators. Ideal for researchers analyzing Scottish health patterns, developers building community health apps, and policymakers using evidence-based data to shape healthcare strategies. No authentication is required for most datasets, enabling seamless integration into analytical tools or public-facing platforms.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://www.opendata.nhs.scot')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful
JSON support
No authentication required
Comprehensive health statistics
Medical reference datasets

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Open Data NHS Scotland free to use?

Yes, all API access and datasets are free for both non-commercial and commercial use under the Open Government License.

? Does it require an API Key?

No, the API does not require authentication or an API key for accessing public health datasets.

? What is the response format?

The API returns data in JSON format, which is widely compatible with programming languages and analytical tools.

Top Alternatives

OpenHealthDataUK Search Google

NHS Digital Open Data API Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free

Category Health

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Easy to integrate
⊕ Free unlimited access
⊕ Trusted NHS Scotland data source
⊕ Diverse health datasets (stats, reference)

Cons

⊖ Potential rate limits for high-volume usage
⊖ Limited official support documentation
⊖ No service level agreement (SLA)