Electronic Prescription Service

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.

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 ask for your prescriptions to be issued via token code. This can be sent to you in a text and you can use it to redeem your medication at any pharmacy.

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.

Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser

Any outstanding prescriptions may still arrive at your current nominated pharmacy. The new pharmacy you choose is where your prescriptions will be sent in future. If you register with an online pharmacy, they will normally change the nominated pharmacy on your behalf.

Change your nominated pharmacy

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).

View the NHS complaints procedure

Who can see my prescription?

• Find out more about 
  how information from your health records, including your prescriptions, is used.
   
• Find out more about 
  how your NHS Electronic Prescription Service data is used, and your rights.