The Electronic Prescription Service

The Electronic Prescription Service is an NHS Service that will enable GP surgeries in England to send prescriptions electronically for dispensing by an EPS compliant dispensary.

Currently, there is no NHS funding for the available dispensing GP EPS systems. The DDA is working with the BMA to achieve reimbursement for installing this technology.

If they ask, all patients, including dispensing patients must be advised of their right to use an EPS dispensary. Practices are reminded that an EPS nomination for a pharmacy DOES NOT affect the dispensing status/eligibility of the nominating patient.

The DDA is supportive of the aims of the EPS, which include:

Patients

• Automatic and advance transmission of repeat prescriptions
• Choice of dispensary.

For staff

• Advance information to facilitate dispensing workloads
• Easier stock control
• Reduced rekeying of information
• Electronic payment submission.

DDA CEO Matthew Isom said: "The EPS has the potential to provide a safer and more efficient service to patient, but these and other benefits will only be fully realised if NHS England finds the resources to fund practice IT and internet connections."

Read the feature: The DHSC is in denial over EPS funding