New NHS tool helps pharmacy teams quickly find their smartcard support

NHS England has launched a new online tool to help pharmacy teams more quickly identify their local Registration Authority (RA) contact details for smartcard support.

This new NHS search tool helps you quickly find your local RA to resolve access issues faster.

What is the new tool?

The new “Find your Registration Authority” tool includes a simple search function.

You can search using your organisation’s name, address, postcode or ODS code to find your RA.

Try out the tool:

Find Your Registration Authority

Registration Authorities access to NHS systems through Care Identity Management and provide smartcard support for those that use them.

What this means for pharmacy teams

Identifying the right contact for smartcard support can be time-consuming, especially when:

• You work across pharmacy sites and are working in a new area
• Staff have recently moved between pharmacies
• Urgent access is needed to continue patient care

This tool should help reduce delays and keep pharmacy services running smoothly.

Pharmacy teams rely on smartcards to access NHS systems securely, and the right support is essential to maintain continuity of care.

How it works

1. Go to the Find your RA service via – digital.nhs.uk/findyourRA
2. Enter your organisation name, address, postcode or ODS code
3. View your organisation’s details and the details of your local RA.

Help improve the new tool

NHS England is encouraging users to use the digital feedback feature in the service to improve the service.

Please use the tool and share your feedback using the link provided on any page in the service.

Feedback could include:

• Suggestions to improve how the tool works
• The reason you used the service
• Your experience using the search function

What to do now

• Bookmark the Find your RA webpage – digital.nhs.uk/findyourRA
• Share it with your team, especially those who work across multiple sites.
• Check you know your current RA before you need urgent support

If you cannot find your RA details

Some contact details are still being updated. If needed:

• Ask a colleague or your local IT helpdesk
• Contact your LPC for support
• Use the alternative A–Z list of RA contacts.
• Check other ways to find your registration authority using the following guidance

Top tips

• Sign-up for the mobile phone self-unlock method (this must be done before self-unlock is possible for you)
• Add (and check) the contact information associated with your Care Identity Management (CIM) profile – including your email address and telephone contact numbers.
• If your smartcard is locked, check whether you can use the self-service unlock option before contacting your RA (this needs setting up before it becomes locked).

Community Pharmacy England view

This new tool is a practical improvement that should make it easier for pharmacy teams to get the support they need, when they need it.

It supports wider priorities to:

• reduce administrative burden
• improve access to NHS systems
• support flexible and multi-site working

Further information

Find Your Registration Authority

Other ways to find your Registration Authority