Your Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) outpatient prescription
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is being used on the West Middlesex University Hospital (WMUH) site to send outpatient prescriptions for certain medicines from certain clinics directly to a community pharmacy of the patient’s choice. This initiative has been introduced to improve the patient experience, in response to patient feedback.
The EPS system is the same system used by GPs to prescribe medicines. The hospital will only prescribe medicines via this system which are readily available in community pharmacies.
If the medicine can be prescribed via the EPS system, this leaflet aims to explain the process.
If the medicine cannot be prescribed via the EPS system, you will be issued a hospital electronic prescription which can only be dispensed by the WMUH outpatient pharmacy.
Your clinician will tell you what type of prescription you have been issued.
Why am I receiving my prescription this way?
In response to patient and staff feedback about waiting times and queues in outpatient pharmacy, we have explored options to improve the service we give to patients.
This solution has been introduced to reduce queues and waiting times, and improve the overall patient experience.
If you are issued an EPS prescription:
- You will not receive a paper prescription
- Your prescription will be sent electronically to a community pharmacy of your choice
- You will not be able to collect your prescription from the hospital outpatient pharmacy
Please discuss your preference with the clinician.
How does it work?
If you require a medicine and it can be prescribed via the EPS system, the following steps will apply.
Step 1: Allergy and medication check
The clinician must be informed about allergies and other medicines you may be taking. Please ensure you inform the clinician about:
- All other medicines you are taking, including:
- Regular or long-term medicines and occasional or “as-needed” medicines
- Inhalers, creams and eye drops
- Vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies
- Any allergies, especially drug allergies or previous reactions
With your consent, your clinician can also complete this important safety check by accessing information in your GP record.
Step 2: The medicine(s) will be prescribed
Step 3: You choose your pharmacy
A clinician will ask you which community pharmacy you want your prescription sent to. This can be your usual nominated pharmacy or a different pharmacy if you wish.
If you’re not sure which pharmacy to choose, we’ll help you.
Step 4: Your prescription is sent electronically
It will be sent electronically to the nominated community pharmacy. You will not be given a paper prescription but, once transmitted, you will see the prescription and nominated pharmacy details in your NHS App.
Step 5: Collect your medicine at your chosen community pharmacy
Simply visit the nominated pharmacy to pick up your prescription. If you are asked for a prescription ID, you can show the pharmacist your prescription ID or barcode in your NHS App.
If prescribed this way, you will not be able to collect this prescription from the WMUH outpatient pharmacy.
Why this improves your care
- Faster access to commonly prescribed medicines
- A quicker and smoother hospital visit with less time spent waiting
- Your prescription is sent to a pharmacy of your choice
- A better experience if you receive care virtually
- Reduced waiting times at the hospital outpatient pharmacy for patients who still need to obtain their medicines from there
- Medicines can be obtained from a pharmacy closer to home
- Greater access to medicines, especially at weekends when the hospital pharmacy is closed but selected community pharmacies are open
- Improved sustainability as it is a paperless system
Need help or have questions?
If you have any questions about:
- Your prescription
- Where it was sent
- When to collect your medicine
Please speak to the clinician treating you today.
You can also contact your chosen community pharmacy, whose details appear in the NHS App after the prescription is sent.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have concerns or would like to provide feedback about services, your care or treatment, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
Chelsea site
T: 020 3315 6727
E: chelwest.cwpals@nhs.net
West Middlesex site
T: 020 8321 6261
E: chelwest.complaints.team@nhs.net