In addition to our online repeat prescription request service we would like to introduce you to the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), an alternative way to get your medicines and appliances.
This will enable you to have your script sent electronically to a nominated pharmacy where you can then collect your medication.
EPS is an NHS service. It gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your script to the place you choose to get your medicines or appliances from.
What does this mean for you?
- If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to the place you choose, saving you time.
- 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.
- You may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be time for it to be ready before you arrive.
Is this service right for you?
Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:
- don't want to go to your GP practice every time.
- collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a collection service now.
It may not be if you:
- don't get prescriptions very often.
- pick up your medicines from different places.
How can you use EPS?
You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. You can choose:
- a pharmacy
- a dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one)
- your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible)
Ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS (not your GP practice) to add your nomination for you. You don't need a computer to do this.
Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper version?
Yes you can. If you don't want your prescription to be sent electronically tell a receptionist. If you want to change your nomination, speak to either a pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS. If you want to cancel your nomination this can be done by any pharmacist, dispensing appliance contractor or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or it may be sent to the wrong place.
Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?
Yes. Your electronic prescription will be seen by the same people in GP practices, pharmacies and NHS payment and fraud agencies that see it now. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser.
For more information about EPS, watch a short video on YouTube explaining the service.
Please allow 48 hours, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for your request to be processed. Any problems please telephone the surgery.