National Programmes Updates - EPS

Electronic Prescribing Services enables prescriptions to be sent electronically from the GP to the dispenser of the patient’s choice, providing a more efficient and consistently accurate system that is better able to cope with the continuing increase in prescription volumes.  Phase 4 of EPS allows prescriptions for patients without an EPS nomination to be signed, sent and processed electronically. 


 The roll out of Phase 4 to GP practices in England started in November 2019, making EPS the default method for prescribing, dispensing and reimbursement of prescriptions within primary care in England. NHS Gloucestershire CCG practices were the first to activate EPS phase 4 in the National roll out.


The NHS Digital website has information and resources for both prescribers and dispensers. https://digital.nhs.uk/services/electronic-prescription-service/phase-4/prescriber-information

Electronic Repeat Dispensing is an integral part of EPS, which offers many extra benefits over paper repeat dispensing and repeat prescribing.

The next Stage in Gloucestershire for the EPS 4 rollout will be for NHS Digital to advise when the Emis practices will be ready to activate EPS 4. Once this has happened, business change workshops will be held to go through the changes.  Practices not using EPS2 can activate EPS2 and 4 simultaneously and training will be provided as part of the roll out plan.

For more information - Contact Kara Smith (kara.smith@nhs.net) if you would like to start using EPS2/4, or if you have any enquires on how you could improve your practice utilisation.