Pilot to increase electronically processed GP prescriptions

Eight GP practices across England are to pilot the fourth phase of the Electronic Prescription Services, which could see 95 per cent of GP prescriptions processed electronically.

At present, patients could only have their prescriptions processed electronically if they had chosen a regular ‘nominated’ dispenser, but the latest improvement to the EPS means prescriptions for all patients can be sent using the more efficient, digital system, saving the NHS time and money.

Electronic prescriptions reduce the amount of paper processing required by GPs, pharmacists and the NHS Business Services Authority estimate that they could save the NHS £300 million a year once fully rolled out.

If the pilot, which is likely to be expanded in 2019, is successful, the new functionality will be made available to all GP practices in England. The benefits of the latest phase include fewer paper prescriptions, GPs not needing to sign replacements for lost prescriptions, and clinicians being able to keep track of the progress and status of prescriptions using the EPS Prescription Tracker.

Ian Lowry, director for Digital Medicines and Pharmacies at NHS Digital, said: “The launch of this pilot is excellent news for GPs, pharmacists and patients and is a further important step towards the digital future for NHS prescribing and dispensing. Every single prescription that is sent electronically, rather than via paper, saves money for the NHS as less time and valuable resource is spent processing and storing the paper prescriptions.”