Electronic Prescription Service

What is EPS?

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service, it allows prescribers working in primary care settings to generate and transmit electronic prescriptions using their computer system.

The electronic prescription is sent to the Electronic Prescription Service, where it can then be downloaded by a dispenser who has also upgraded their computer system to use EPS.

Patients then have the option to choose, or ‘nominate’ a pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor to receive the electronic prescription automatically without the need for any paper.

If you want to use EPS, talk to someone at your pharmacy, dispensing appliance contractor or complete the Register for the Electronic Prescription Service form.

Benefits

  • If you usually collect repeat prescriptions you will not have to visit your GP practice just to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send the prescription electronically to the place you choose. This saves you, your GP and pharmacists time and makes the process more convenient, as many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends.
  • The prescription is an electronic message so there is no paper prescription to lose.
  • You will have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.
  • If the prescription needs to be cancelled, the GP can electronically cancel and issue a new prescription without you having to return to the practice – saving you extra trips.
  • You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as your repeat prescriptions can be made ready before you arrive.