Page updated: 21 Dec 2009
Electronic Prescription Service trialled in Trafford
Trafford PCT is trialling the new NHS Electronic Prescription Service, a paper-free system that could mean that patients can go straight to their pharmacy for their repeat prescription without having to go via their GP.
Around 1,000 patients of Davyhulme Medical Centre are being given the option to be part of this trial, which is one of the first of its kind in the UK. The practice's Dr Anthony Kaye has been involved in the national development of this service.
Dr Kaye said: "An Electronic Prescription Service will mean that prescriptions are more quickly and easily accessible for patients.
"It will also provide more flexibility and choice. Patients will be able to nominate their preferred pharmacy, but will still be able to receive a paper copy of their prescription if they would like it.
"Prescriptions can also be prepared in advance of the patient arriving, reducing waiting times in the pharmacy."
The trial will be taking place from late January, with a view to being rolled-out further throughout 2010.
Harriet Lewis, community pharmacy development manager at Trafford PCT, added: "Around 1.5 million paper prescriptions are issued every working day in England, and 7 out of 10 of these are regular repeat prescriptions.
"This means that not only will this service be a benefit to patients, but it will help local health and pharmacy services to operate even more efficiently."
The Electronic Prescription Service is being introduced by NHS Connecting for Health, which provides computer system support for the NHS.
To find out more and see frequently asked questions about the service, visit www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/eps/patients
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For further press information, please contact:
Press Office at Trafford PCT
Tel: 0161 873 9622 / 0161 873 9527 / 0161 873 6048