More pharmacists register for EPS but many are still waiting for IT
The number of pharmacists registering to use the electronic prescription service (EPS) in England is rising quickly but many are still waiting for computer systems to be authorised for national rollout.
By 17 April, 3,315 pharmacists had registered for the EPS with primary
care trusts, up 18 per cent on the previous week’s figure, according
to data published on the NHS Connecting for Health website.
Michael Holden, chief officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Pharmaceutical
Committee, told The Journal this week that 500 smartcards have now been
issued to community pharmacists practising in Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight. “It is now down to the PMR system providers to get their
act together and put the other pieces of the jigsaw — accredited
hardware and software, and broadband connectivity — in place. This
will allow pharmacy contractors to claim their £200 per month fees.
We also need a strong push by GP practices to acquire and switch on their
EPS software so that the benefits can be realised.”
Although eight pharmacy system suppliers have achieved initial implementation,
only one system is currently authorised for national rollout. Only systems
that have been granted rollout authority will meet the requirements for
funding payable under the community pharmacy contractual framework. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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