Smartcard – Cards, Codes and Access

Katie Alvers
May 20
2 min read

Smartcards; The beginning

Having a Smartcard you can freely use in different pharmacies is vital as a locum. The role of a pharmacist is constantly diversifying and your smartcard is an important (and sought after) tool to have. Some pharmacies won’t book a locum without one. Having the locum 5F code on your smartcard means you can use it freely in any pharmacy. Having Summary Care Records access is also essential.

There are three steps to having a smartcard suitable for use as a locum:

1: Getting the physical smartcard.

2: Having the locum code (FFFFF) applied to your smartcard.

3: Applying for Summary Care Records access on to your smartcard.

In this blog we’ll offer some advice on how to get through all the steps. We’ve put this advice together as a result of our dealings with locums, RA authorities and pharmacies alike.

Step 1; Getting the card

Your first port of call in getting your physical card is to contact your local CCG and ask to speak to the RA Authority. They are responsible for the issue and management of Smartcards in your area. Most RA authorities will take any necessary details from you and arrange a date for you to go and get your picture taken and collect your card.

Step 2; Getting the locum code

Step 2 is getting the Locum 5F code applied to your card. Again, please contact your local RA Authority to discuss what is required. Often, they will accept nomination from a locum agency you are registered with.

Step 3; Getting Summary Care Records Access (SCR)

The step by step process on how locums gain approval for, and then get SCR access enabled on their smartcard is detailed below:

CPPE E-learning and E-assessment is completed
Contact your Local RA to request that SCR is applied to your card, they will advise you on the next steps.