FAQ: How do I get an NHS smartcard?
We have been in regular contact with the Information Security Policy Manager at the Digital Information & Health Policy Directorate (NHS Connecting for Health) to ensure that Sessional GPs are not overlooked – how else otherwise would we be able to access NHS Care Records Service (CRS)?
So far, their news has been that “GP locums, in common with other NHS users of [the NHS Care Records Service] CRS services, will be provided with digital identity and signing credentials on personal smartcards that will allow easy to apply, robust authentication, access and privilege management controls and that will also allow security management practices consistent with the latest NHS information governance guidance. The exact rollout timescales for these smartcards within local communities and for their use in [Local Service Provider] LSP services can be discussed with the local implementation teams concerned to be able to assess local opportunities.”
Meanwhile your ICB or their Commissioning Support Units will be able to supply you with your own smartcard.
Once you have a smartcard, you can add its number to your LocumDeck profile. If you have any concerns about it going out of date, speak to the practice manager at any friendly practice – they are used to administering them, and they usually have the ability to renew them if they are about to go out of date. or if they can’t, will know someone who can.
"We have used LocumDeck for a number of months now and find it really useful when booking locums. You can see the availability of GPs, their documents are all loaded on the site and you can book instantly – it takes minutes to do. There are also no expensive locum agency fees to pay – just the GP’s actual payment. It's quick and hassle-free."
Lesley Munro-Faure, Managing Partner, Unity Health, Buckinghamshire