All pharmacy system suppliers in Wales now support EPS

Since the launch of EPS in November 2023, more than 700,000 prescription items have been dispensed using the service in Wales

Three more pharmacy system suppliers have received approval to roll out their software in community pharmacies to support electronic prescribing service (EPS) in Wales.

The approval means all seven pharmacy system suppliers who have contracts with pharmacies in Wales can now deliver EPS.

Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) announced on 17 January 2025 that healthcare technology firms Cegedim Rx, EMIS and PharmacyX have successfully developed and tested systems capable of handling electronic prescriptions.

“Following robust monitoring, any pharmacy using the suppliers' software will be able to use EPS, providing they have completed a number of readiness activities,” DHCW stated.

System suppliers Invatech, Boots, Positive Solutions and Clanwilliam completed testing of their software systems last year.

Apotec is currently undergoing the assurance process, according to DHCW.

This development marks a significant milestone in DHCW’s aim to move from a paper-based prescription process to a digital system.

“EPS makes things easier, safer and more efficient for patients and healthcare staff, as well as helping the environment as it reduces the amount of paper we print,” the organisation noted.

Jenny Pugh-Jones, programme oversight chair for the primary care EPS programme at DHCW, highlighted the collaborative efforts among suppliers, EPS programme team, community pharmacies, GP practices and other partners in achieving this milestone.

“EPS brings a number of benefits to patients in Wales, and I’m delighted it will now reach more areas in the coming months,” she said.

Since the launch of EPS in November 2023, more than 700,000 prescription items have been dispensed via the service, according to DHCW. The service is currently available in 25 GP practices and more than 150 pharmacies across Wales.

Testing of Pharmacy Systems

EMIS’s ProScript Connect pharmacy system was tested at the G. Rowe pharmacies in Nantymoel and Ogmore Vale, Bridgend, in partnership with Nantymoel Surgery.

The software can be used at pharmacies using ProScript Connect as well as those that have a contract with AAH.

Sima Jassal, clinical director of pharmacy at EMIS, commented: “Delivering the Electronic Prescription Service to our ProScript Connect users across Wales is another important step forwards for community pharmacy - making dispensing more efficient and safer for patients.”

PharmacyX, the only Wales-based pharmacy system to achieve EPS accreditation, tested its software at Health Plus Pharmacy in Blaenavon in collaboration with Blaenavon Medical Practice.

Pharmacy X Director Paul Mayberry stated: “As a homegrown solution, PharmacyX is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Welsh pharmacies, and we look forward to supporting their journey into this exciting digital future.”

Cegedim Rx’s Pharmacy Manager software was tested at two branches of Nelson’s Pharmacy in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent.

Cegedim Rx managing director Tracey Robertson remarked: “The benefits of the EPS programme are far reaching. It enables pharmacies and GP practices to work more efficiently, while also enabling patients to easily and conveniently access the care they need.”

EPS is a key part of the Digital Medicines transformation programme, managed by DHCW.

All system suppliers are supported by the Community Pharmacy System Innovation Fund, established by Life Sciences Hub Wales (LSHW) and Digital Medicines on behalf of the Welsh Government.