The roll out of the final phase of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) will be achieved on 18 November, with practices using TPP SystmOne and continue into next year with other system suppliers. Under the new system, patients who have nominated a pharmacy will continue to have their prescriptions sent electronically. Those who do not have a nominated pharmacy will receive a paper copy of their prescription that will include a barcode, which pharmacy staff will scan to download the electronic prescription from the NHS Spine.

The DHSC said that currently 70% of prescriptions are already prescribed electronically and following the roll-out almost all will be sent electronically. It is estimated that the EPS will save the NHS £300M by 2021 by increasing efficiencies, reducing the amount of paper processing required and reducing prescribing errors. NHS England added that the new process will lead to a more efficient, faster and secure service.