How Locum GPs in England Can Get an NHS.net Email Account

by

Dr Zaid Ismail

Locum GPs in England are eligible for an NHSmail account – the secure email service that provides NHS.net email addresses for healthcare staff​.

Having an NHS.net email allows locum doctors to communicate securely with NHS colleagues and access important resources.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how GP locums in England can obtain their NHS.net email, including the requirements and who to contact for help.

Eligibility Requirements

Before starting, ensure you meet the criteria for a GP locum NHSmail account in England:

  • Registered GP Locum on Performers List: You must be registered as a GP locum on the National Performers List (England) (managed via PCSE)​.
  • Not a Partner/Salaried GP: You should not currently be a partner or salaried GP (i.e. you are not listed as such on PCSE Online)​. NHSmail via the locum route is intended for sessional GPs not attached to a practice in a permanent role.

(Note: Each GP locum can have only one NHSmail account. If you already have an NHS.net email from a previous role, do not register for a new one​. Instead, arrange to transfer or reactivate your existing account as a locum account.)

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Submit a Registration Request: Fill out the online registration form for GP locums. This form registers your interest in obtaining an NHSmail account as a locum​.(The form is available on the official NHSmail support site)

2. Wait for Email Instructions: After submitting the form, wait for a response. Within about seven days, you will receive an email at your registered GMC Online email address with instructions for the next steps​. This email will contain a link to the GP Locum NHSmail registration portal and a one-time setup code.

3. Access the GP Locum Portal: Click the link in the email to go to the GP Locum NHSmail registration portal. You will be guided to create your NHSmail account.

4. Provide Required Information: On the portal, you’ll need to enter and confirm several pieces of information to set up your account. Make sure you have the following ready​:

  • Data Security Training: Confirmation that you have completed your Data Security Awareness training within the last 12 months (you may be asked to attest to this)​.
  • Personal Details: Confirmation that your details on the National Performers List are correct – specifically your name and GMC (General Medical Council) number. (These should match what is on record in PCSE.)
  • One-Time Passcode: Enter the individual 6-digit one-time passcode from the invitation email. This code is unique to you and was sent in the email invitation to your GMC-registered address​.
  • Mobile Phone Number: Provide your current mobile phone number. This will be used to send you a text message with account setup details (e.g. for multi-factor authentication). Make sure this is a UK-based mobile number – non-UK numbers are not accepted and would cause the account to be disabled​.

5. Complete Account Setup: Follow the on-screen steps to finalize your account creation. This may involve setting a password and security questions. Once completed, your new NHS.net email account will be created. You should receive confirmation of your new email address (usually in the format firstname.lastname@nhs.net or similar) and can then log in to NHSmail.

Your NHSmail account is now ready to use. Remember, you are only allowed one NHS.net account as a locum GP​, so you will use this same account for all locum work across England.

Support and Contact Information

If you encounter any issues or do not receive your account details within a week, help is available:

  • GP Locum Support Team: Email the NHSmail GP Locum support team at locumadmin@nhs.net for assistance. Include your full name, GMC number, and GMC-registered email address in your message to help them identify you. The GP Locum support team is available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays), and will respond as soon as possible​. They can assist with registration problems, account activation issues, or questions about eligibility.
  • NHSmail Helpdesk: For technical support outside of the GP Locum team’s hours (for example, if you need a password reset or are locked out), you can contact the 24/7 NHSmail helpdesk. Call 0333 200 1133 any time for urgent help with your NHS.net email account​. Basic tasks like password resets can also be done through the self-service portal or by emailing the helpdesk​ .

By following these steps, locum GPs in England can quickly obtain an NHS.net email account and stay connected through NHSmail. This ensures you have a secure, official channel for all your professional communications.

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