The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service that allows prescriptions to be sent electronically from your GP to the dispenser of your choice, such as a pharmacy. This makes the prescribing and dispensing process faster, safer, and more convenient for both patients and healthcare staff.

EPS is already widely used in primary care, with over 95% of prescriptions in England now sent electronically.

Key Points:

• EPS is not a clinical prescribing system; it simply manages the workflow of prescriptions between prescribers and dispensers

• EPS is not legally mandated, but it is strongly recommended and widely supported

• EPS is a platinum NHS service, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Benefits of EPS:

For patients:

• No need to visit your GP practice just to collect a paper prescription

• Freedom to choose a pharmacy close to home, work, or shopping

• Repeat prescriptions can often be prepared in advance, reducing waiting time

• Ability to manage nominated pharmacies and track prescriptions using the NHS App

For prescribers:

• Prescriptions are processed more efficiently

For dispensers:

• Less paperwork and reduced risk of dispensing errors

• Better stock control

Is EPS right for you?

Yes, if you:

• Have a stable condition requiring regular medicines

• Do not want to collect paper prescriptions from your GP

• Usually collect medicines from the same pharmacy

It may not be suitable if you:

• Only need prescriptions occasionally

• Collect medicines from different pharmacies regularly

How to use EPS:

1. Choose a dispenser – this can be a pharmacy, a dispensing appliance contractor, or a dispensing GP practice (if eligible).

2. Ask your pharmacy, dispensing contractor, or GP practice to record your nomination. No computer is needed.

Changing or cancelling your nomination:

• You can change or cancel your nomination at any time.

• Speak to your pharmacist, dispensing contractor, or GP practice.

• Make any changes before your next prescription is issued, to avoid it being sent to the wrong place.

• You can also request a paper prescription instead.

Security and confidentiality:

• EPS is secure and confidential.

• Your electronic prescription is only seen by the same NHS staff who handle paper prescriptions, including GP practices, pharmacies, and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies.

• Dispensers may see if you have nominated another pharmacy (for example, if you forget who you nominated or have more than one nomination).