Information and guide for people working in the NHS East Dorset area prepared by staff of the EAst Dorset NHS Library Service

1. East Dorset NHS Library Service
No. 1: Getting started with NHS ATHENS
This guide will provide step-by-step instructions to set-up and access an NHS ATHENS
authentication account which will enable you to access a range of clinical databases,
over 200 electronic books and 2000 electronic journals.
Who can have an NHS ATHENS account ?
Anyone working for the NHS in England or students on placement within the NHS. Full
eligibility criteria available at www.library.nhs.uk/forlibrarians/content/corecontent/athens/eligibility.
Creating your account:
1. Use an NHSnet PC to register. (Registration on a non-NHS PC may delay receipt of
username and password)
2. Open the web site www.swice.nhs.uk a gateway to a range of information to support
clinical effectiveness
3. From the left-hand column select ATHENS self registration
4. Complete and submit the online form which will ask for your organisation, personal
and professional details
5. Once submitted a confirmation will appear with information about your username.
Details on how to set-up a password will be sent via a link to your e-mail address
which you must activate within two days of receipt - do not delay.
Using your NHS ATHENS account:
A. See resources available to you by entering www.swice.nhs.uk, selecting
MyATHENS from the left-hand column, entering your username and password and
clicking the resources tab at the top of the page.
B. Click on links from the SWICE gateway and enter your NHS ATHENS password
when prompted to access full content of the resources available
C. When following links to full text resources look for an ATHENS login prompt.
However please be aware there is only full access to items where the NHS
nationally or your NHS organisation subscribes to the resource ie you won’t get
access to everything on Google! If full text is unavailable please ask library staff.
If you forget your NHS ATHENS login details:
1. Enter the SWICE www.swice.nhs.uk website
2. Select Forgotten ATHENS password?
3. Follow the instructions on screen to be sent a reminder of password or username.
IMPORTANT change your details when you move to a different organisation or
position to access the full range of resources available to you:
1. Enter the following website www.library.nhs.uk
2. Log-in to ATHENS when prompted
3. From the top right of the screen select My Account to view your account details,
change your organisation, e-mail or password details
4. Contact the administrator to change other account details athens.sdhct@nhs.net
Further Help: Please contact the Library Staff for more information.
Training can be organised to suit individual circumstances. Last updated 26/02/2010
Poole: PGMC.library@poole.nhs.uk 01202 442101
Royal Bournemouth: Library@rbch.nhs.uk 01202 704270