Initial implementer sites for Release 2 of the Electronic Prescription Service

Following the Department of Health (DH) and NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH) invitation for Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to express an interest in becoming initial implementers for Release 2 of the Electronic Prescription Service, over one third responded.

As a result of this process the following PCTs have been selected to go live from 1st October 2007.

• Berkshire East
• Leicestershire County and Rutland
• Liverpool
• Southwark
• Sunderland

In addition, the following PCTs have been selected as a second wave to go live no earlier than 1st January 2008.

Background to the Electronic Prescription Service

The Electronic Prescription Service enables prescriptions to be generated, transmitted and received electronically. Dispensers will be able to submit reimbursement endorsements electronically to a reimbursement authority in order to support payment claims for medication and appliances supplied.

Initially, the Electronic Prescription Service is being introduced in primary care across England, including:

• GP practices
• Community Pharmacies
• Dispensing GP practices
• Dispensing appliance contractors

The Electronic Prescription Service is being introduced using two releases of software, known as Release 1 and Release 2.Implementation of Release 1 is already underway and introduces the technical infrastructure required to enable prescribers and dispensers to interact with the service. Release 1 brings minimal changes for patients and staff - the only noticeable difference being the addition of a barcode when prescriptions are printed.

Release 2 provides enhanced functionality for users and will deliver tangible benefits for patients, prescribers and dispensers. These include for example:

• Patients will have the option to select, or ‘nominate’ a pharmacy or other dispensing contractor to which their prescription can be sent automatically - without the need for the patient to collect a prescription from their GP first.
• A significant reduction in workload for prescribers and practice staff as a result of simplifying the repeat prescription management process. This includes the reduction in work generated by patients requesting and collecting individual prescriptions and the ability to make wider use of the repeat dispensing service.
• Freeing dispensing staff from the work associated with re-keying prescription information, and, because some electronic prescriptions may be received prior to the patient arriving, also giving dispensers scope to streamline workflow by preparing medications in advance
• Potentially enabling dispensers to manage stock control more effectively and order out-of-stock items in a timelier manner

What is the purpose of initial implementation?

It is essential that patient choice and patient safety are maintained throughout the implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service. To help ensure this, systems provided by third party suppliers which are used in prescribing and dispensing environments must pass through a rigorous testing process (monitored by NHS CFH). This ensures that the system meets the technical and safety standards set. The purpose of initial implementation, which follows the technical assurance process, is to ensure usability of systems, business processes and training and guidance materials are effective before prior to further deployment.

In order for prescribers within a PCT to be eligible to operate Release 2 (and sign prescriptions electronically) a Direction needs to be given to the PCT from the Secretary of State. Deployment of the Electronic Prescription Service is also subject to system suppliers demonstrating that their software is operating correctly. The status of Release 2 systems will be published here Any dispensing contractors operating Release 2 compliant systems can dispense electronic prescriptions regardless of whether they are in selected PCTs or not.

Further information on the Electronic Prescription Service can be found on the Department of Health's website and NHS CFH's website