Q : I am a staff member who is working from home / in isolation and have locked my card, how can I unlock my card without visiting a Local Smartcard Administrator?
We recommend all staff sign up to the self-serve unlock portal, which will enable you to unlock your own card. Please see attached guide. Unfortunately, if you have not signed up to the self-serve unlock portal you will need to visit a location with a Local Smartcard Administrator/ RA Sponsor or your local Registration Authority on site
Q: I left my card at the Surgery/ another location and I am now at home under isolation, what can I do?
If you are unable to obtain your card, the Registration Authority will cancel your card and print another to send to your home location
Q: Can I have two cards, one to keep at home and one at the Surgery Pharmacy/ work location?
RA Governance requires Users to have only one active smartcard. Smartcard users are strongly encouraged to retain their card at all times when not in use, you are encouraged to treat it as if it were a bank/credit card and carry with you.
Q: I have been asked to cover multiple sites at short notice. How can I get access on my card? Will I need to visit these sites?
Access to clinical systems /locations can be assigned to you remotely, you will not need to visit the location in person, however, all access must be authorised/ requested by the RA Sponsors for the specific location
Q: I am a Pharmacist and need access to the Summary Care Record (SCR)?
You will need to complete the SCR online training https://nhs-digital.citizenspace.com/live-services/60a88897/consultation/intro/ and apply to NHS Digital
Q: What happens if an existing user locks their card or the certificates expire?
Without face to face contact the only option is to print a new unlocked card as per process above and send to the user – and cancel the locked or expired card