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EPS Release 2 begins in Leeds
Initial Implementation of EPS Release 2 has begun at a site in Leeds. The pharmacy involved, Liptrots Pharmacy currently uses the Cegedim Pharmacy Manager system and the GP surgery is using CSC/TPP SystmOne.
In recent weeks, the technical connectivity has been tested using synthetic prescriptions. Approval has now been granted by Connecting for Health’s Clinical Safety Group to move to offering the service to patients. A pharmacy system can be rolled out in up to 5 sites before authority to deploy nationally has been granted by CFH. Work is already underway to establish a second Cegedim Pharmacy Manager Initial Implementer Site.
There are a number of controls on roll-out. A legal NHS electronic prescription can only be issued where a GP is using an EPS Release 2 compliant system and where a PCT has directed the GP to start issuing electronic NHS prescriptions (the PCT can only give this authority if they have themselves been authorised through Secretary of State Directions. 18 PCTs currently have this authority. PCTs have been advised through guidance to engage locally with LPCs on these decisions).
PSNC Position
Initial Implementation of the service is essential to ensure the impact of the service on the dispensing process can be fully evaluated, however, the PSNC position is that national deployment of EPS Release 2 should only commence once the NHS and the pharmacy profession are confident that the service will not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient supply of medicines to patients. It is too early to confirm that this is the case.
The PSNC carefully considered its’ position on EPS Release 2 at its' July meeting. The Committee is only able to support national deployment of the service if:
- There is a clear ccommitment from the Department that it will be fully funded with costs fully assessed by a jointly agreed methodology including direct and wider operational issues such as administering smartcards.
- The model will be revised if it reduces efficiency, increases costs or cannot be fully funded by the Department of Health.
- There are robust and enforceable PCT service level requirements linked to the day to day operation of the service such as the issue of smartcards.
- Satisfactory contingency arrangements in the event of any system failure agreed with PSNC are in place.
- PCTs are directed not to authorise individual GPs to start issuing legal e-prescriptions until all pharmacies in the locality have had a reasonable opportunity to become enabled.
- PSNC is fully involved in determining the future developments to the service (i.e. Release 3 onwards).
PSNC is in discussion with the Department of Health and Connecting for Health on these points.
Background information on the Electronic Prescription Service is available in the NHS IT Section of this website.
Posted 3 August 2009