What is the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)?
EPS enables prescriptions to be sent electronically from the GP practice to a pharmacy or dispenser of your choice. With EPS, you would no longer need to collect a paper version from the practice as a prescription can be sent securely to your nominated pharmacy where you usually collect your medicines or medical appliances. EPS is an established service that has been available for many years. It is easy to use, and you don't need access to a computer or electronic device.
How do I start using EPS?
Firstly, you will need to choose the pharmacy or dispenser that will dispense your prescribed medicines. Your pharmacy of choice will be referred to as your nominated pharmacy and this nomination can be added to your record by the GP practice or the pharmacy. If you have registered for online access at the practice, you may also be able to add a pharmacy nomination yourself.
Someone from the practice may contact you to discuss EPS and your preferences for a nominated pharmacy. In the meantime, please feel free to ask your pharmacist about pharmacy nominations, or record it yourself if you use an online access app.
If you are not sure which pharmacy you would like to nominate, you may wish to use the link below to identify pharmacies and dispensers available for you: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies
You can change or cancel your nominated pharmacy or dispenser at any time. Simply speak to the practice or pharmacist before you order your next prescription. Your nomination will only be added or changed at your request. If you currently use both a pharmacy and a dispensing appliance contractor, it is still possible to use EPS and have two nominated dispensers.
Who can see my prescription?
Electronic prescriptions sent via EPS are reliable, secure and confidential. It will be seen by the same people who currently process your paper ones. If you are on repeat prescriptions, the dispenser of your medicines will also see the items on your reorder slip.