Three systems ready for EPS R2

Three pharmacy systems have received full roll-out approval for Release 2 of the Electronic Prescription Service.

Rx Systems and AAH Pharmaceuticals have received approval for their Proscript and Proscript LINK systems respectively, while the limited roll-out approval given to Cegedim Rx’s Pharmacy Manager system last summer has been changed to full roll-out approval.

The move signals a significant step forward for pharmacy involvement in EPS R2, although EMIS Web is the only GP system to be approved, and so far that has been deployed to fewer than 100 GP practices.

Cegedim Rx gained approval for roll-out to 200 pharmacies in August. It said the extension to full roll-out approval meant that it could now deliver its EPS R2 solution to the 3,400 pharmacies in the 51 primary care trust areas which have been approved for R2.

A further 32 PCTs are due to be granted the Secretary of State directions required to proceed with EPS R2 next month.

However, last month the Department of Health decided to stop any more PCTs going ahead, blaming slow progress from suppliers.

Cegedim Rx said the decision to place PCT applications on hold had enabled the programme to focus work on PCTs that were included in directions before extending the roll-out to other areas of the country.

Simon Driver, managing director of Cegedim Rx, added: “The removal of our roll-out restriction combined with the focus on selected PCTs is a good sign that the whole EPS R2 end-to-end solution is coming together.”

Rx Systems said it would implement a rapid deployment of EPS R2 to its customers many of which were independent pharmacies, which the company said would enable the pharmacies to capitalise on the advantages of being an early adopter ahead of the major high street chains.

RX Systems, which was acquired by healthcare IT supplier EMIS last year, said the links between Rx Systems and EMIS would enable its customers to receive early notification of EMIS GP surgeries that were switching to EPS R2 enabling a smooth and planned transition to full electronic prescribing.

Ian Taylor, managing director of Rx Systems, added: “Although GP take-up of EPS R2 may move more slowly, pharmacies who adopt the new system will be able to start capturing those all-important patient nominations ahead of the major high street chains, who do not yet have this capability. I would urge all our customers to take advantage of this opportunity.”

AAH Pharmaceuticals is also encouraging its pharmacy customers to focus on EPS R2. Leon Rudd, director of marketing, said EPS R2 had the potential to transform pharmacy businesses if utilised to the full.

He added: “Nomination for instance will help to retain custom. It’s vital therefore that our customers understand their PCT’s nomination policy so they can speak to their patients and guide them.”

AAH Pharmaceuticals said that it would adapt its deployment plans in line with the pause on further PCTs being given authorisation to ensure its customers were in the best position to access the benefits of R2 as early as possible.