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Latest improvements on the Open Data Portal
March 29, 2023
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Changes to the Secondary Care Medicines Data (SCMD)
March 20, 2023
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Exciting new user features on the Open Data Portal
October 20, 2022
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Changes to the ‘standard’ compressed file type (.ZIP -> .GZ)
April 17, 2024In response to feedback from our users, we've made some adjustments to the standard file type when downloading compressed data from the Open Data Portal. This change is aimed at enhancing accessibility for alternative API connection methods and reducing download latency.
When downloading large data files using either the ‘Data Explorer’ or through an API connection, which requires compression, we have changed the standard compressed file type from .ZIP
to .GZ
.
The Data Explorer
When downloading through the data explorer, you will be presented with different options (below) if the file requires compression. These will generate .gz
compressed files.

API Connections
Although there are multiple ways to connect via an API, it is worth noting that the standard compressed file type is now .GZ
. You may need to make appropriate adjustments to your code.
We have updated and refined the example API codes accordingly, accessible via the following button within each File page.

Any issues, please don't hesitate to get in touch via our support team DataServicesSupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
Warm regards,
Michael Smith
Service Lead - Open Data