NHS Digital is introducing an improved naming convention for pharmacy shared mailboxes. The new format is scheduled to roll-out to pharmacy NHSmail users in mid-September 2020 using the following convention:

The current naming system includes additional pharmacy address information within the shared mailbox email address.

After the change is made, an email notification will be sent to the shared pharmacy mailbox to advise of the new shared mailbox email address. An email alias will be created for the previous email address so pharmacy teams will still receive emails should anyone continue to email using the older and longer email address.

PSNC has been seeking this change for several years, as feedback from contractors agreed that the original naming convention was too long and a shorter alias version would be preferred. NHS Digital’s 2019 NHSmail survey results also supported the need for change.

Commenting on the change, Richard Dean, community pharmacy contractor and Chairman of the Community Pharmacy IT Group said:

“At our pharmacies, we’re looking forward to the new naming system coming in. It will be much easier for the team to give our shared account email address over the phone to local GP practice staff and others.“

PSNC, working with the CP ITG, maintains a list of commonly requested NHSmail features. If you have a suggestion on how NHSmail could be improved, please email PSNC’s Community Pharmacy IT Lead.

Read more about NHSmail at PSNC’s NHSmail webpage and on the NHSmail support website.

Update (30th Sept 2020): All pharmacy shared mailboxes should have now been transitioned as described within this news article.