[kRock]

yes - it's all under discussion but the reason (i understand) for every user having their own card is becuase setting a patients nominated pharmacy means searching the "pateint demographics service" - a list of all the patients in the country. To check there are no funny goings on with people seatching for folks they shouldn't be a smartcard is required for every user to give a secure and valid audit trail (the same as for everyone else in GP practices / hospitals etc.)