Shropshire Star

Electronic prescription option coming for most Telford patients

Most patients in Telford and Wrekin will soon be able to get their prescriptions electronically.

Published

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) has been introduced at 13 out of 18 practices across the region.

Launch dates are also planned for Court Street Surgery in Madeley and Hollinswood/Holliwell Medical Practice in Telford.

Patients can choose for their prescriptions to be sent electronically from their GP to a pharmacy or dispensary of their choice.

Only the two Malling Health surgeries and Wellington Road Surgery in Newport do not have go-live dates in the pipeline.

Jacqui Seaton, head of medicines management for Telford & Wrekin CCG, said: "Prior to the deployment of EPS back in 2005 over 1.5 million prescriptions/2.5 million items were being ordered, dispensed and reimbursed every day using the paper-based prescription process."

"The rate of growth in prescription numbers was five per cent per annum and in the longer term this was unsustainable under the pre-existing process.

"The EPS also gives patients greater freedom of choice, making it simpler for them to use a dispensing contractor convenient to them.

"Patients can change their nominated dispensing contractor at any time.

"Another advantage is reducing pharmacy waiting times as dispensers will have the opportunity to prepare prescriptions in advance of the patient's arrival.

"There will also be a direct impact of improvement for operational processes, saving time for practice staff."

But Dr Andy Inglis, board GP member, said he was unsure the electronic service was reducing workloads for GPs.

He said: "It is difficult to navigate and takes a lot of clicks and different stages to use. It takes a lot of time and could lead to more errors made. I think it will increase workload."

Ms Seaton answered: "We can give training to anyone who needs help with the system.

"We are confident it will help reduce workloads for everyone."

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