The NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) allows your GP, or nurse, to send prescriptions to your pharmacy by electronic means. The service makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for GPs, pharmacies as well as patients.
The NHS Electronic Prescription Service England has been on a talking point since a few years. The supplies of pharmacy system have been working to run the service forward, offering a vital insight into the workflow that is unique.
NHS Electronic Prescription Service Background
- EPS Release 1 (R1)
The rollout of EPS R1 was started in 2007, which is currently employed by more than 90% of high street pharmacies in England. It is designed to keep the basics of the EPS in place and to safeguard the compatibility between the IT systems used by GP practices and pharmacies.
The NHS Electronic Prescription Service Release 1 uses N3 broadband technology to allow your GP send online prescriptions to pharmacies. The prescriptions are then downloaded in the pharmacy’s computer with the barcode scan printed on FP10 prescription script. Nearly 1.5 million prescriptions are issued in England on a daily basis.
- EPS Release 2 (R2)
It is the second phase of the NHS electronic prescription service that is designed to improve the proficiency and competency of the prescribing and dispensing process. One of the key features of EPS R2 is that patients can nominate the pharmacy that is convenient to them. With this service, a prescription is sent from the GP directly to the nominated pharmacy electronically. Nominating a pharmacy is essential with EPS R2.
Benefits
The NHS Electronic Prescription Service decreases the workload related to re-entering prescription information. Patients can get their medicine before they arrive in the pharmacy store. This allows a smooth workflow by preparing prescriptions beforehand.
It also helps with stock management and pharmacies offering the NHS EPS will no longer have to pick up paper prescription for patients.
Pharmacy Outlet is one such online pharmacy that offers the NHS Electronic Prescription Service. Nominate Pharmacy Outlet to get started with the service. Call 03333 222 400 to know more about the service.
