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Using the Library: Useful Websites and Statistics

Guide introducing NELSON, searching library resources.

Useful websites and statistics

Statista gathers data and insights from its own sources and partners, including useful health statistics from the UK Government. Its Research AI tool helps users find and access information in a new, easier way.

NHS England Digital houses statistical dashboards and publications relating to health and social care in England.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) is a database containing details of all admissions, A and E attendances and outpatient appointments at NHS hospitals in England. 

This same data can also be processed and used for non-clinical purposes, such as research and planning health services. Because these uses are not to do with direct patient care, they are called 'secondary uses'. This is the HES data set.

HES data covers all NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England, including:

  • private patients treated in NHS hospitals
  • patients resident outside of England
  • care delivered by treatment centres (including those in the independent sector) funded by the NHS

The Public Health Profiles are a rich source of indicators across a range of health and wellbeing themes to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce inequalities. With these profiles you can:

  • Browse indicators at different geographical levels
  • Benchmark against the regional or England average
  • Export data to use locally

These profiles have been developed by Public Health England.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. Their website provides factsheets, publications and statistical information about key health topics.