New Pharmacy Sponsorship Model
NHS England has introduced a new Pharmacy Sponsorship Model for pharmacies across Liverpool, South Sefton and Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). This is currently being rolled out by NHS Informatics Merseyside, along with the provision of training and guidance.
What is changing?
- NHS England will no longer be a Sponsor for Smartcard access. This will be assigned to local Sponsors in pharmacies.
- Pharmacies must continue to raise requests for new Smartcard registrations and access changes through NHS Informatics Merseyside's IT Service Desk. This will be assigned to the Registration Authority (RA) Team.
- Sponsors will be able to raise Care Identity Service (CIS) requests for new Smartcards and access requests.
- Sponsors will be able to assist with the renewal of a Smartcard, if the card is in date.
- Sponsors and Local Smartcard Administrators (LSAs) will be able to assist with passcode changes and card unlocking. These requests no longer need to be logged with the IT Service Desk unless support is required.
Why is this changing?
The new Pharmacy Sponsorship Model will enable local Sponsors to self-serve, helping to improve efficiency and security by enabling changes to be made on-site. The new model will also allow local Sponsors to authorise requests directly with the Care Identity Service (CIS).
Training and guidance
- Mandatory e-learning (to be completed by all Sponsors and Local Smartcard Administrators)
- Pharmacy Smartcard management guidance
- Roles and responsibilities matrix
- Sponsor self-serve password reset
- Quick user guides
- New Smartcard process flow
Useful Information
Warranted Environment Specification (WES)
LSA training
Pharmacy Smartcard management guidance
Information for Smartcard users leaflet
Roles and responsibilities matrix
Pharmacy RA sponsorship process
Quick user guides
Care Identity Service
Smartcard self-service / unlock (requires Internet Explorer)