Moving from paper to

electronic prescriptions An overview of Electronic Prescription Service Release 2

1. Overview

Prescriptions

•generated,

transmitted & received electronically

•without the need for paper (in most cases)

2. Implementation

•Planning now

•Controlled roll out

•Support to practices

•Communication Materials

3. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

(including 9 slides on Suliscom)

For patients• Greater convenience - less trips to the GP

• Greater freedom of choice - simpler for patients

• Potential to reduce pharmacy waiting times

For GP practice staff

Key Benefits

Key points• Prescribers staff “e” sign Rxs via Smartcard and PIN

• Patients - “nominate” a dispensing contractor to receive

their electronic prescriptions automatically

• GPs to send prescriptions to nominated dispensing

contractors without the need for paper

• Patients who do not want to nominate a dispensing

contractor will continue to receive a paper prescription

How does Release 2 work?

How it works – with nomination1. Patient asks dispensing contractor or their GP practice

to record their nomination for them.

2. Patient requests in the usual way

3. GP generates prescription and signs it electronically. Rx

sent to the Electronic Prescription Service

4. Nominated dispenser retrieves the Rx automatically

5. Patient goes directly to dispenser without having to call at

the GP practice first

6. Electronic Prescription Service which records what was

dispensed

How it works – without nomination1. Patient request in usual same way

2. Prescriber signs Rx electronically. Rx sent to the

EPS

3. The GP prints out a prescription token

4. Patient collects the prescription token & takes to

Dispenser

5. Dispenser scans the barcode to retrieve the electronic

prescription onto their system (like in Release 1)

Additional points• GP practice can cancel Rx at any point up until it is

dispensed

• Prescription tokens can be issued for nominated

electronic prescriptions if required

• Repeat dispensing can be administered electronically

• Patients can change/ cancel their nomination at any

time

Materials to support Release 2A range of materials are available to help support the

smooth implementation of Release 2. These include:

• Introduction to Release 2 leaflet for healthcare

professionals

• Information leaflet for patients

• Communications toolkit for NHS organisations,

charities and commercial organisations

• Release 2 go-live signage (to help patients identify

sites are live)

• Information posters and banner stands

Detailed guidance • More detailed guidance about specific business

processes is available for end users in both printed and

electronic format

• An e-learning module is also available

All these materials are available to order or download from

www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/eps