Three further system suppliers gaining approval to roll out their software in community pharmacies.
A big step forward has been taken in the delivery of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) in Wales, with three further system suppliers gaining approval to roll out their software in community pharmacies.
Healthcare technology firms Cegedim Rx, EMIS and PharmacyX have all developed and tested systems able to receive electronic prescriptions in Wales. Following robust monitoring, any pharmacy using the suppliers' software will be able to use EPS, providing they have completed a number of readiness activities.
The approval means that all seven pharmacy system suppliers who have contracts with pharmacies in Wales are now supporting EPS here, which marks a significant milestone in our 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.
Jenny Pugh-Jones, Programme Oversight Chair for the Primary Care EPS programme, said:
“What a great way to start 2025, with three more pharmacy suppliers being approved to help support the Electronic Prescription Service in Wales.
There has been real collaboration between suppliers, our EPS programme team, community pharmacies, GP practices and other partners to reach 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.”
EMIS tested its ProScript Connect pharmacy system at the G. Rowe pharmacies in Nantymoel and Ogmore Vale, Bridgend, in partnership with Nantymoel Surgery. The software can now be used not only at pharmacies using ProScript Connect but also those which have a contract with AAH.
Sima Jassal, Clinical Director of Pharmacy at EMIS, said:
“This has been a fantastic project to work in collaboration not only with Digital Health and Care Wales, but also the teams at G. Rowe pharmacies. 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.”
Pharmacy X Director Paul Mayberry said:
“We are delighted that PharmacyX, the only Wales-based pharmacy system, has gained EPS accreditation and successfully tested its software at Health Plus Pharmacy in Blaenavon, in partnership with Blaenavon Medical Practice.
This is a pivotal step for PharmacyX and community pharmacies across Wales as we embrace a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly approach to prescription management. 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 is being used in two branches of Nelson’s Pharmacy in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, as part of the testing process.
Cegedim Rx Managing Director Tracey Robertson said:
“We’re very proud to support Digital Health and Care Wales to deliver the Electronic Prescription Service to community pharmacies across the country through our Pharmacy Manager platform.
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.”
All system suppliers have 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, Chief Executive Officer for Life Sciences Hub Wales, said:
“This milestone represents a turning point for healthcare innovation in Wales. With all suppliers with a Welsh footprint now eligible for Tier 1 funding, we’re streamlining pharmacy systems for greater efficiency and convenience, while fostering a more sustainable healthcare system.
We’re proud to support this progress through the Community Pharmacy System Innovation Fund, driving forward innovation that directly improves patient care and healthcare staff across Wales. A fantastic achievement to kick start 2025!”
Since the launch of EPS in November 2023, more than 700,000 prescription items have been dispensed via the service. It is benefiting patients in areas of every health board in Wales and is available in 25 GP practices and more than 150 pharmacies. It is being rolled out as quickly and as safely as possible.
Last year, system suppliers Invatech, Boots, Positive Solutions and Clanwilliam successfully completed the development and testing of their software systems, while Apotec has entered the assurance process.
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.
