Getting started with SCR from 1 April 2017

Find out about getting started with Summary Care Records (SCR), including the process to follow for pharmacy organisations, users and SCR governance people (SGPs, formerly privacy officers).

There is a simple process to follow to get started with SCR in your pharmacy. We have split the information so you can find out what you need to do.

For a pharmacist or pharmacy technician - the user

1. Check your smartcard

Make sure your smartcard is working. (This is the same smartcard that's used for EPS access.) Put the smartcard in the reader and follow the instructions to check it isn't locked and that you know the PIN. Contact your local Registration Authority (RA) for help with problems, or if you don't have a smartcard.

2. Complete the online CPPE training

Complete the CPPE e-learning SCR module and assessment to get a certificate. You must enable data sharing on the CPPE website so that we can confirm that the module has been successfully completed.

3. Request the Summary Care Record role for your smartcard

Before completing the application form in the link below please read the following information on qualifying criteria:

Special conditions relevant during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Usually only pharmacists who are fully registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council can apply for SCR access. However, we understand difficulties in upgrading from pre-registered to fully registered during the pandemic. Therefore, we agree to accept applications from the new interim GPhC registration status of Provisionally registered (not pre-registered). If you are provisionally registered, your access will be granted on a 12 month temporary basis until your status turns from provisionally registered to fully registered.

We understand provisionally registered pharmacists circumstances will change during that 12 months and individuals in that category should inform of any change in circumstances that could mean you have been removed from the provisional register. The following 2 instances in particular

You do not successfully complete GPhC assessments and are removed from the Provisional register. If this occurs you should contact your local RA and have them remove your SCR access because you will no longer be eligible.
If you become fully registered, you will need to reapply using the application form in the link below. This is so you can continue to access SCR post Covid and at your designated ODS codes.

Please only apply if you appear on the provisional register or are fully registered. Pre-registrant applicant are not being accepted at this time.

Complete the form to request the SCR role addition to your smartcard. We will then approve the addition of the relevant roles to your smartcard with your local registration authority. The registration authority will process this in line with the local organisation's service level agreement.

There is specific guidance on smartcard SCR access for locums and organisations that use them

For an SCR governance person (SGP), (formerly known as a privacy officer)

1. Check your smartcard

Make sure your smartcard is working. Put the smartcard in the reader and follow the instructions to check it isn't locked and that you know the PIN. Contact your local Registration Authority for help with problems, or if you don't have a smartcard.

2. Complete the online SGP training

SGP training is available on our website.

3. Request the SGP role for your smartcard

Complete the form to request the SGP role addition for your smartcard. We will then approve the addition of the relevant roles to the smartcard with your local registration authority. Your registration authority will process this in line with the local organisation's service level agreement.

For a new pharmacy needing to go live with SCR

1. Appoint an SCR Governance Person (SGP), (formerly known as a privacy officer)

Every organisation needs to appoint at least one member of staff to be the SGP. We recommend a minimum of two people are appointed.

2. Implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering SCR use and SGP monitoring tasks

All other SOPs impacted by SCR, such as Flu Vaccination, MURs should be updated at the next opportunity. Download a sample SOP for SCR use document template

3. Complete the online Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA)

An acceptable use agreement is needed for each pharmacy site.

4. Check SCR works with your system

(a) Test access to SCR

Once the SCR Role Based Access Codes (RBACs) have been added to your users' smartcards, test access to the spine portal (which provides access to SCR) at each computer. Add the url to the desktop or favourites to make access easier. Then use a test NHS patient number e.g. 9990252955 to check everything is working correctly. You can find more test patient numbers in the SCR quick technical guide.

(b) Check technical requirements

To use SCR, your system needs to be compliant with the NHS standard system settings, specified in the Warranted Environment Specification This is probably already the case. You or your system supplier can check this. System suppliers should be familiar with the WES and can help to ensure that NHS and other key software can continue to run alongside each other.

(c) Troubleshooting technical requirements

If you are using older versions of software, the system might not be fully compliant. If your system supplier, or a software provider, recommends using settings outside of the WES, you may want to discuss with them whether adjustments can be made so that all your hardware, systems, and software can comply with the WES. Technical issues should be forwarded to your pharmacy system supplier helpdesk.

5. SGP - start routine monitoring of SCR access

Additional resources

Download our technical troubleshooting guide for technical advice on setting up and accessing SCR.

Download a final checklist for SCR to run through the technical requirements.

Download a printable staff briefing poster

Download a printable patient leaflet

Last edited: 7 September 2022 11:48 am