A locum pharmacist smart card is a secure electronic card that gives locum (relief) pharmacists access to different pharmacy systems. It is essential for accessing the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), which contains patient information and allows for the secure communication of prescription details.
The smart card works like a chip-and-PIN bank card, used with a personal passcode to ensure patient data remains confidential and secure. Every action is logged and can be audited, providing a clear record of who has accessed patient information.
How to get a smart card
To get a smart card, you will need to contact your local NHS Registration Authority (RA) and complete an identity check. This process is typically a three-stage process:
A pharmacy sponsor makes a request to the RA to register you on the system.
The RA carries out an identity check, which may require you to provide multiple forms of identification.
The RA issues the smart card.
If you are a locum, you will need to maintain regular contact with your RA to ensure your smart card is registered with the pharmacies where you work.
To find your local Registration Authority, contact your local NHS team or the NHS Dorset Smartcard Support Team.
For general help or to unlock your card, you may also be able to use the NHS self-service portal.