Technical and operations

Some care homes have electronic medicine administration records (MARS) linked closely to the providing chemist and the GP. Would 'proxy access' be replacing this e-MAR system?

No, this is different to e-MAR. Proxy access allows care homes to order medication online using GP systems which does not affect the administration of medication.

Can a data sharing agreement be on behalf of a primary care network (PCN) or do you need separate ones for each practice?

There can be a data sharing agreement across a PCN.  This is a local decision and needs to be discussed at the start of the project.

Is this available for Vision or Microtest system users?

No, not at the moment.

Who provides the hardware for access?

Hardware and internet access must be in place  before you can set up proxy access.

There are several offers to help care homes with this.

Digital social care has been set up to support care providers with a helpline 0208 133 3430 (Mon-Fri 9-5) or email help@digitalsocialcare.co.uk for free support.

Can you set this up for care homes in the NHS App?

No, not at the moment.

We order all our medications online through e-MAR software. This links the pharmacy and our care home, and we can do all the online ordering through there. It does not, however, link to the GP. We still call the GP and may pick up the scripts for the pharmacy. Can proxy access help?

Yes, you do not need to ring the GP for scripts if you are set up for proxy ordering on behalf of your residents.  Your request goes to the GP who can send the authorised prescription to the pharmacy via the electronic prescription (EPS) digital solution.