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Electronic Prescription Service
Electronic Prescription Service
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) sends electronic prescriptions from GP surgeries to pharmacies. Eventually EPS will remove the need for most paper prescriptions.
About EPS
EPS allows prescribers to send prescriptions electronically to a dispenser (such as a pharmacy) of the patient's choice. This makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for patients and staff.
Electronic Prescriptions
Most prescriptions are now signed, sent, and processed electronically. You have 2 choices for how this works:
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Choose a Pharmacy or Dispenser
- Pick a pharmacy or dispenser to handle all your prescriptions.
- Your prescription will be sent electronically to the one you choose.
- You can pick up your medicines without needing a paper prescription.
2. Choose Each Time
- Decide each time where you want your prescription filled.
- You will get a paper copy with a unique barcode.
- Take the paper copy to any pharmacy in England. The barcode will be scanned to download your prescription.
Paper prescriptions will still be available in special cases, but most will be electronic.
Choosing a pharmacy or other dispenser
If you get regular prescriptions or use a prescription collection service, picking one pharmacy to handle all your prescriptions can save you time.
- Order your repeat prescriptions the same way as before.
- Your prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser you choose.
- You won't need to pick up a paper prescription from your GP.
Cancelling or changing your choice of pharmacist or dispenser
You can change or cancel your choice of pharmacy or dispenser anytime. Just talk to your GP or pharmacist before your next prescription.
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Allow some time for the change to take place to avoid sending your prescription to the wrong place.
What if I'm unhappy with the process?
You should get information about electronic prescriptions and give your consent before your choice of dispenser is recorded.
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If you're unhappy, you can complain to the dispenser, your GP practice, or your local Intergrated Care Board (ICB).
Find out more about the NHS complaints procedure
Who can see my prescription?
Electronic prescriptions are reliable, secure and private.
Only people who provide your medicines at GP practices and pharmacies, and NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies, will see your prescription.
- Find out more about
how information from your health records, including your prescriptions, is used. - Find out more about
how your NHS Electronic Prescription Service data is used, and your rights.