Electronic Prescription Service

 

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Electronic Prescription Service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) sends electronic prescriptions from GP surgeries to pharmacies. Eventually EPS will remove the need for most paper prescriptions.

About EPS

EPS allows prescribers to send prescriptions electronically to a dispenser (such as a pharmacy) of the patient's choice. This makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for patients and staff.

 

image depicting electronic prescription service

 

Electronic Prescriptions

Most prescriptions are now signed, sent and processed electronically.

You have 2 choices for how this works.

  • You can choose a pharmacy or dispenser to dispense all your prescriptions. When you get a prescription, it will be sent electronically to the dispenser you have chosen. You can collect your medicines or appliances without having to hand in a paper prescription.
  • You can decide each time you are issued a prescription where you would like it to be dispensed. When you are issued a prescription, you will be given a paper copy that you can take to any pharmacy or other dispenser in England. The paper copy will contain a unique barcode that will be scanned to download your prescription from the secure NHS database.

Paper prescriptions will continue to be available in special circumstances, but almost all prescriptions will be processed electronically.

 

Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser

If you get regular prescriptions or are already using a prescription collection service (where a pharmacy collects prescriptions from your GP practice for you) then choosing a pharmacy to dispense all your prescriptions may save you time by avoiding unnecessary trips to your GP.

You will still order your repeat prescriptions in the same way as you do now, but your prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser of your choice.

You will not have to collect a paper repeat prescription from your GP practice.

Recycling Your Old Inhalers  - click here for more information

Chiesi  (UK Ltd) and NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board Executive Summary  UK-CHI-2300426 July 2023 This summary has been written by Chiesi Ltd with consultation and approval from the Collaborative Working Project Team,  established with full representation of partners.  System Level Inhaler Recycling Aim: To operationalise an inhaler recycling scheme that involves the collection of unwanted and no longer usable inhalers  using ‘drop‐off’ collection sites within specified organisations, such as, but not limited  to, acute  trusts, primary care and  community pharmacies within the East Kent area.   The collection sites will accept all inhaler types and brands.  The intended objectives of this collaborative project are to:  Inhaler return and recycling 

 Divert inhalers from domestic waste to reduce the environmental impact of the propellant gas enabling recovery  and recycling of device components. 

 Create a replicable inhaler recycling model that can be easily adopted by other NHS organisations. 

 Ensure that patients have access to an inhaler recycling scheme that is easy to use and convenient to access. 

 

Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser

You can change or cancel your choice of dispenser at any time. Simply speak to your GP or pharmacist before you order your next prescription.

You should allow time for the update to take place to avoid your next prescription being sent to the wrong place.

 

What can I do if I'm unhappy with the process?

You should be provided with information about electronic prescriptions and give your consent before your choice of dispenser is recorded.

If you're unhappy with your experience, you can complain to the dispenser, your GP practice or your local clinical commissioning group (CCG).

Find out more about the NHS complaints procedure

 

Who can see my prescription?

Electronic prescriptions are reliable, secure and confidential.

Your electronic prescription will be seen by the people who provide your medicines in GP practices and pharmacies, and by NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies.