Electronic Prescribing Service

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS system that allows your GP to send your prescription electronically to a pharmacy or dispensing service of your choice. This modernises how prescriptions are issued and offers greater convenience for patients.

🧾 What Does This Mean for You?

If you usually collect repeat prescriptions from your GP surgery, you will no longer need to visit the practice to pick up a paper prescription. Your GP will send it directly and securely to your nominated pharmacy, saving you time ⏱️.

You will also have greater flexibility in choosing where to collect your medicines. You can select a pharmacy close to where you live, work, or shop.

In many cases, you may also experience shorter waiting times, as your prescription can be prepared in advance and ready when you arrive.

✔️ Is EPS Right for You?

EPS may be suitable if you have a stable condition and you:

• prefer not to visit the GP practice to collect repeat prescriptions
• usually collect your medication from the same pharmacy or already use a collection service

EPS may not be ideal if you:

• do not receive prescriptions very often
• regularly collect your medicines from different pharmacies

🏥 How Do You Use EPS?

To use EPS, you must choose where your GP should send your prescriptions electronically. This is called your nomination. You can nominate:

• a pharmacy
• a dispensing appliance contractor
• your dispensing GP practice (if eligible)

You can set this up by speaking to any pharmacy, dispensing appliance contractor, or a member of the GP practice team. No computer access is required.

🔄 Can You Change or Cancel Your Nomination?

Yes. If you prefer to return to paper prescriptions, please inform your GP.

If you wish to change or cancel your nomination, speak to any pharmacist, dispensing appliance contractor, or your GP practice. Please do this before your next prescription is issued, otherwise it may be sent to the previous nominated location.

🔐 Is EPS Reliable, Secure, and Confidential?

Yes. EPS is designed to be safe, secure, and confidential. Your electronic prescription can only be accessed by the same authorised healthcare professionals who handle paper prescriptions, including GP practice staff, pharmacists, and NHS prescription services.

In some circumstances, dispensers may see which pharmacy you have nominated—such as when checking your nomination on request. They may also see your repeat medication list if you receive regular prescriptions.

For more information, please visit the NHS website ℹ️.