RCoA Events and COVID-19 Update
The Education and Events team are delighted to continue to bring you our education programme, a mix of virtual and where possible in-person events alongside a suite of digital resources to complement your learning.
Online events
Where possible our events have been converted to a digital format, offering the same high-quality learning that you are used to, but in a virtual package that can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
Check out our event calendar to find out more and book your place on one of our online courses.
In-person events
Where possible, we are returning to run some events in person following government guidelines and using COVID secure venues including Churchill House.
At the moment we are asking all delegates and speakers to follow the below guidelines if attending an in-person event:
- We recommend face coverings to be worn throughout the venue
- We will be adhering to 1 meter social distancing throughout the event where possible
- We recommend all attendees take a lateral flow test in the evening or morning before the start of the event.
- If the event is more than 1 day we recommend a new test before each day.
When venues require a COVID Pass we will inform all delegates registered on that specific event. More information on how to obtain the pass can be found below.
Due to the ever-changing picture, we may have to postpone events and courses at short notice. We will keep all delegates up to date with changes as we make them.
Details on obtaining the COVID pass
If you reside in England you can demonstrate your COVID status in five ways;
- via the domestic event pass on the NHS app
- a PDF pass
- an NHS COVID pass letter
- proof of clinical trial exemption
- Production of negative PCR or lateral flow test result (email or text message)
We require the production of at least one of the above to gain entry to the building. You cannot use the NHS appointment card from vaccination centres as proof of vaccination. More information on demonstrating your COVID status can be found here
NHS app – domestic event pass
You can access your NHS COVID Pass through the free NHS App on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Proof of your COVID-19 status will be shown within the NHS App.
The NHS App is not the same as the NHS COVID-19 app.
In the NHS App, your COVID-19 status includes a 2D barcode. The expiry date does not apply to your vaccination status. Any expiry date refers only to the barcode and will update automatically each time you go into the NHS App.
Access a PDF NHS COVID Pass through the NHS website
You can view your COVID-19 status online and download or print a COVID pass as a PDF document. To access the service, you’ll need to register for an NHS login if you do not have one already.
Access the NHS COVID Pass via the NHS website
Your COVID-19 status pass includes a 2D barcode. The expiry date does not apply to your vaccination status. Any expiry date refers only to the barcode and will update automatically. If you download and print a copy, the expiry date will eventually show as expired and will not automatically refresh.
Request an NHS COVID Pass letter to be posted to you
You can only request a letter only if you have been fully vaccinated.
You can obtain an NHS COVID Pass at age 16 plus but do not need one to access venues or events in England if you are under 18 years of age.
You can request an NHS COVID Pass letter:
- via the NHS website
- by calling 119 (select the ‘NHS COVID Pass service’) if you do not have access to a smartphone, computer, or tablet
The letter can take up to 5 working days to reach you. The letter will be sent to the address registered with your GP. If you have recently moved house, make sure you’ve given your new address to your GP practice before requesting a letter.
The COVID-19 post-vaccination letter was rebranded from 5 July. It now displays the title ‘NHS COVID Pass’ and the logos of all 4 nations instead of just the NHS logo. If you got a COVID-19 post-vaccination letter before 5 July, this is still valid. You do not need to apply for a new version.
Clinical trials
If you were vaccinated as part of an official clinical trial in Scotland, you should have received a letter confirming this.
If you have not received a letter, contact your clinical trial site
If you reside in Wales you can demonstrate your COVID status in four ways;
- a PDF pass
- an NHS COVID pass letter
- proof of clinical trial exemption
- Production of negative PCR or lateral flow test result (email or text message)
We require the production of at least one of the above to gain entry to the building. You cannot use the NHS appointment card from vaccination centres as proof of vaccination. More information on demonstrating your COVID status can be found here
Access a PDF NHS COVID Pass through the NHS website
The NHS COVID Pass allows you to show others, that you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine.
You can get a digital NHS COVID Pass if:
- you were vaccinated in Wales or England
- you are aged 16 or over
We recommend that you get the digital COVID Pass rather than the paper version. You will be able to show this on your phone, tablet or laptop.
People in Wales cannot use the NHS app to get their NHS COVID Pass and vaccination status.
You can get your vaccination status in paper format if 2 weeks have passed since you completed a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.
You cannot use the following to demonstrate your vaccination status or access your NHS COVID Pass:
- NHS app
- NHS appointment card from vaccination centres
The digital NHS COVID Pass will also show some test results, but not all. If your tests results are not shown, you will need to show the email or text you received with your negative COVID test result to gain entry into any trial events in England.
How to get your COVID pass?
You can get your NHS COVID Pass online. You can then download or print the Pass.
We recommend you register and use this service as soon as possible.
To access the service, you’ll need to register for an NHS login if you do not have one already.
To register for an NHS login you will need to upload a photo of your ID (passport, full UK driving licence, full European driving licence).
If you do not have photographic ID you'll need to request a letter from 0300 303 5667, to get your NHS COVID Pass.
Get your NHS COVID Pass to show your vaccination status via the NHS website.
Your NHS COVID Pass includes a barcode. The expiry date refers to the barcode and will update automatically. It does not apply to your vaccination status.
If you download and print a copy, the expiry date will not update, and you will need to print a new copy when it has expired.
Getting help using the NHS COVID Pass
For any issues with NHS login contact NHS login help centre.
If your vaccination status record is incorrect, please contact your local health board.
If your personal details are wrong you will need to contact your GP.
Get your Pass by post
You should only request a paper COVID Pass if:
- you have had a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine (you should wait 5 days after your final dose before requesting it)
- you are aged 16 or over
- you wish to receive a bilingual copy of the pass
Call 0300 303 5667 to request a COVID Pass if you are unable to use the digital NHS COVID Pass or would like a bilingual certificate.
It can take up to 10 working days for a certificate to arrive. No requests can be fast tracked and certificates cannot be collected.
You can call 7 days a week between 9am and 5pm.
Calls are typically charged between 2p and 40p per minute and are included in free call packages.
Clinical trials
If you were vaccinated as part of an official clinical trial in Scotland, you should have received a letter confirming this.
If you have not received a letter, contact your clinical trial site.
If you reside in Scotland you can demonstrate your COVID status in four ways;
- an online COVID vaccination status letter
- a COVID vaccination status letter
- proof of clinical trial exemption
- Production of negative PCR or lateral flow test result (email or text message)
We require the production of at least one of the above to gain entry to the building. You cannot use the NHS appointment card from vaccination centres as proof of vaccination. More information on demonstrating your COVID status can be found here
Your vaccination status is a record of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations you have received in Scotland. It includes your name, date of birth, and any coronavirus vaccinations you have received. This includes those aged 16 and 17 who have had the coronavirus vaccination.
It is not a record of vaccinations that you have had outside of Scotland.
Do not contact your GP practice about your coronavirus vaccination status. GP's cannot provide letters showing your coronavirus vaccination status.
How to get your vaccination status
Letters will be sent by first class post and are normally received within 14 days, although this is dependent on the volume of requests.
If you have previously downloaded a PDF of your coronavirus vaccination status letter, you will need to request a new paper copy.
You should request a copy of your status letter at least 14 days before you intend to travel abroad.
If you are a permanent resident of Scotland but have received one or two doses of the vaccine in another country (including elsewhere in the UK) you should get proof of your vaccination from the country you were vaccinated in.
Request a print version online
You can view your record and request a paper copy of your vaccination status online by logging in using your unique username and password.
Your username and password can be found in your coronavirus vaccination appointment letter.
Once you have signed in, you should select 'vaccination status' which will allow you to view and request a paper copy of your coronavirus vaccination record letter. Please allow at least 14 days for your vaccination status letter to arrive in the post.
Request a copy of your vaccination status
Recover your username or password
If you have lost or forgotten your username or password, you can create new ones by selecting the 'recover username' or 'forgotten your password' options.
If you have never received a unique username, you can sign up for one by using the 'recover username' option.
Request a letter over the phone
You can also get a copy of your vaccine status by phoning the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565.
The helpline is open every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm.
Clinical trials
If you were vaccinated as part of an official clinical trial in Scotland, you should have received a letter confirming this.
If you have not received a letter, contact your clinical trial site.
If you reside in Northern Ireland you can demonstrate your COVID status in four ways;
- a COVID PDF pass
- an paper certificate
- proof of clinical trial exemption
- Production of negative PCR or lateral flow test result (email or text message)
We require the production of at least one of the above to gain entry to the building. You cannot use the NHS appointment card from vaccination centres as proof of vaccination. More information on demonstrating your COVID status can be found here
COVID PDF Pass
The Department of Health has introduced an automated method for NI citizens who have received both their COVID-19 vaccinations in Northern Ireland to apply for COVID vaccination certification. This is only currently available for travel up to the 31 August. The window for beyond that date will open soon.When the window beyond the 31 August opens you will be able to apply here.
The first process will involve proof of identity. If your application is not processed automatically the NI COVID Certification Service will email you directly when your application has been successfully processed, telling you when you can download your certificate online or via the app.
The Department of Health is appealing to those travelling after 31 August not to apply at this time or it will delay normal service.
The COVIDCertNI App is available to download and can be used to help you request a certificate.
The app is available for those who received their vaccination in Northern Ireland to download from Google Play or Apple app stores.
Find out how the app works at:
If you have questions about the App check these Frequently Asked Questions or contact covidcertni@hscni.net
Creating an account guidance
You should fully read the guidance at this link before you start your application to make sure that everything is correctly completed:
If you’re having any issues creating your nidirect account, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and include your date of travel in the subject line.
Access your certificate
If you have received an email confirming your COVID-19 vaccination document is ready you can log in and access your certificate at this link:
Request a paper certificate
If you cannot apply online, you can request a paper version using the telephone service 0300 200 7814, available Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
This is an application support line. Call handlers will not be able to provide advice on entry requirements to specific destinations or check the detail of your vaccination records.
This process will take longer than the digital process and you will be required to verify your identity in person by presenting documentation at an appointed time and location.
Once identity checks have been completed it may take up to 10 working days for the printed certificate to arrive.
Clinical trials
If you were vaccinated as part of an official clinical trial in Scotland, you should have received a letter confirming this.
If you have not received a letter, contact your clinical trial site.
Digital educational resources
Get your educational content on the go and hear from experts discussing topical issues by subscribing to the RCoA podcast.
Further your knowledge of specific topics whilst gaining CPD points by watching videos of lectures from some of our previous events.
e-Learning Anaesthesia offers bite-sized sessions, interactive MCQs and access to an extensive online library of articles designed to enhance your anaesthetic learning and support your continued professional development.
We love hearing feedback from our membership so please get in contact at events@rcoa.ac.uk if you have any suggestions for our educational programme, and we hope to see you at one of our events soon!