Clanwilliam tests electronic prescription technology in Wales

Healthcare IT supplier Clanwilliam is testing its pharmacy system technology in Wales to support the delivery of an Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).

Clanwilliam is the fourth pharmacy system supplier to develop software that enables pharmacies in Wales to receive prescriptions electronically, following Invatech, Boots and Positive Solutions.

On-site testing of the company’s pharmacy system, RxWeb, has commenced at Sully Pharmacy and MW Phillips in Cadoxton, Barry, the pharmacies that will be going live alongside Sully GP surgery.

If the test is successful, its software will be rolled out at further pharmacies across Wales from later this year.

The work is supporting the delivery of an EPS which is being led by the Digital Medicines programme in Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW).

In a press release, published on 22 May 2024, Jenny Pugh-Jones, DHCW’s lead for e-prescriptions, said: “We’re delighted to see Clanwilliam supporting the delivery of electronic prescribing in Wales, and we welcome them as the latest pharmacy system supplier to reach this stage.

“As we have already seen from early adopter live test sites, e-prescriptions are making a big impact, helping to transform the way GP practices work and offering a more convenient service for patients.”

The EPS enables GPs and prescribers to send prescriptions digitally to the patient’s nominated community pharmacy, without the need for a green paper prescription form, making the prescribing and dispensing of medicines safer and easier for patients and healthcare staff.

Invatech was the first pharmacy system supplier in Wales to complete testing of its electronic prescriptions functionality at Rhyl’s Lakeside Medical Centre and Wellington Road Pharmacy in November 2023.

In March 2024 the Llanfairfechan’s Plas Menai Surgery tested the EPS at the Boots pharmacy in Llanfairfechan and Gwynan Edwards pharmacy in Penmaenmawr.

Positive Solutions and Clanwilliam are currently undertaking testing, with other suppliers also developing e-prescription technology for use in Wales, which will undergo the same testing process.

Clanwilliam received funding from the Community Pharmacy System Innovation Fund to help develop its EPS technology. The fund is led by Life Sciences Hub Wales in partnership with DHCW on behalf of the Welsh government.

Clanwilliam’s managing director Eileen Byrne said: “We are excited to be delivering EPS for our customers in Wales, and the benefits it will bring to both them and their patients.

“Our aim over the last few years has been to free up time for pharmacy staff through innovation, and we see the introduction of EPS as the enabler for this.”

Phased national roll out of the EPS across Wales is planned to begin in summer 2024.