NHS Scotland Athens accounts

Athens is a password system that allows authorised users access to their institution’s online subscriptions and resources.

Passwords are institution-specific so although you may already have an Athens password from a university or college you will have to apply for an NHS Scotland password to access NHS Scotland resources. Athens passwords from other UK NHS regions do not allow access to NHS Scotland resources.

Applying for an NHS Scotland Athens password

To apply for an NHS Scotland Athens password go to: www.athensregistration.scot.nhs.uk

Fill in your details. A username will be generated for you and you will be asked to create your own password. You will receive an email asking you to confirm your details and activate your account.

New Athens accounts are uploaded at 3pm each day so try to activate your account by 3pm the day before your training session.

I already have an NHS Scotland Athens username and password

If you haven't used your Athens password for a while it would be worth checking that it's still valid. Accounts automatically expire after one year.

Go to: https://www.openathens.net/ and click on Log in to My Athens. If your password has expired then contact your library to renew your account. 

If your username and password are not recognised and it's been more than 18 months since you last used it your account may have been wiped. Please contact the library to double check before creating a new account.

I registered for my Athens password when I was working at another Board

Athens is administered by library staff in the health board where you are working when you first register. If you are working in NHSGGC but originally applied for your Athens password in another NHS Scotland board you can ask at your local library to have your account transferred. This will give you access to NHSGGC subscription resources and allow NHSGGC library staff to administer your account.

I've forgotten my username and/or password

You can get a password reminder from here

You can check your username by going to https://www.athensregistration.scot.nhs.uk/ and completing the first page of the form. If your email address is already associated with an NHS Scotland Athens account it will be displayed at the top of the screen.

Alternatively, the library can tell you your username or reset your password by phone, email or in person.