Electronic Prescription Service picks up pace in Wales
13 August 2024
The delivery of an electronic prescription service (EPS) in Wales is picking up pace, with a fourth pharmacy system supplier gaining approval to roll out its software in its community pharmacies.
Clanwilliam can now use its RxWeb system across Wales after robust monitoring at two pharmacies – Sully Pharmacy and MW Phillips in Cadoxton, Barry. The pharmacies worked in partnership with Sully GP Surgery to ensure that the software could receive prescriptions sent electronically, without the need for the green paper form.
The approval means that EPS can now be used at any pharmacy in Wales using RxWeb, as long as the patient’s GP surgery is able to send the prescription electronically and the pharmacy is ready to receive it.
EPS was launched in November 2023 in Rhyl, Denbighshire, and is now live at a number of sites in north and south Wales.
Pharmacy system suppliers Invatech, Boots and Positive Solutions have already successfully completed the development and testing of their software systems.
Jenny Pugh-Jones, Chair of the Primary Care EPS programme, said: “We are thrilled to see Clanwilliam gaining approval to roll out its software, becoming the fourth pharmacy system supplier in Wales to do so. This latest milestone shows the very significant progress that EPS is making in Wales, and I would like to thank everyone involved in reaching this stage.
“Clinicians tell us that electronic prescribing is already making a very real difference to communities, making things easier for patients and more efficient for healthcare staff. We look forward to more community pharmacies starting to use EPS in the near future.”
EPS allows GPs and other prescribers to send prescriptions electronically to the pharmacy of the patient’s choice. In most cases, there’s no longer a need for the green paper form to be printed and taken to the pharmacy, which over time will help reduce the use of paper in Wales and be better for the environment. Roll out of the service to all dispensers and GP practices will be done as quickly and as safely as possible.
Clanwilliam Managing Director Eileen Byrne said: "Receiving approval to roll out RxWeb across Wales marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare efficiency within the region. We're proud to support the adoption of electronic prescribing, ensuring pharmacies, GPs and patients benefit from streamlined services."
Clanwilliam’s development of RxWeb has been supported by the Community Pharmacy System Innovation Fund, which was established by Life Sciences Hub Wales (LSHW) and Digital Medicines on behalf of Welsh Government.
Cari-Anne Quinn, Life Science Hub Wales’ Chief Executive, said: “The approval of Clanwilliam’s RxWeb system is a testament to the significant progress being made in the development and implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service across Wales.
“This milestone not only enhances the efficiency and convenience of pharmacy systems, but also fosters a more environmentally sustainable healthcare system. We’re proud to support these advancements through the Community Pharmacy System Innovation Fund, driving innovation and collaboration for better healthcare delivery in Wales.”
EPS is a key part of the Digital Medicines transformation programme, managed by Digital Health and Care Wales, and is making the process of prescribing and dispensing medicines safer, easier and more efficient for patients and health care professionals.
To find out more visit https://dhcw.nhs.wales/digital-medicines