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.

Learn more about the 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 have the choice of which Pharmacy you would like to dispense your prescription. It will be sent electronically to the Pharmacy of your choice.
  • If you do not have a nominated Pharmacy, you can be provided with a prescription token that you can take to any pharmacy in England. The prescription token will contain a unique barcode that can be scanned by the Pharmacy to download your prescription from the secure NHS Spine. If you require your prescription to be sent to a different Pharmacy (for example, if you are elsewhere in England), our prescription clerks can assist with this.

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

 

Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser

Cancelling or changing your choice of Pharmacy. You can change or cancel your choice of Pharmacy at any time. Simply speak to our practice dispensers before you order your next prescription or your preferred Pharmacy.

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?

If you're unhappy with your experience, you can complain to the practice manager or the Patient Liaison Service (PALS).

View 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.

More Information About Prescriptions