Service alert: Error with some EPS Release One (R1) prescriptions

The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) have published a news item regarding an issue with the use of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS):  One GP system supplier has been working with HSCIC to fix an error. The error meant that some GP practices were able to send Schedule 2/3 Controlled Drug prescriptions via Release 1 (barcoded). Usually such prescriptions should not be transmitted via Release 1.

Locally some of the Surgeries in Durham use this system so prescriptions could end up in the area.

If pharmacy teams come across affected prescriptions the solution is:

1. Dispense the prescription as if it had been a paper one – the paper element is the legal one and both words and figures appear on the physical prescription;
2. Don’t scan the barcode, but if you do this will not cause an issue.

HSCIC explain affected prescriptions should be some of those Release 1 controlled drug prescriptions dating between 26th February and 2nd March. The relevant GP system implemented a fix today.

This issue does not impact EPS Release 2 prescriptions.

Identifying other issues with the national EPS systems

To ensure you are aware of possible future issues, pharmacy teams can use the following three EPS tools:

• Alerts: Staff can register to receive text or email alerts in the event that the national HSCIC systems that support EPS are experiencing issues at tinyurl.com/Spinealerts.
• Checker: Visit the HSCIC service status checker webpage which provides information about the status of the national systems attinyurl.com/EPSchecker.
• Tracker: The EPS Prescription Tracker webpage provides information on the status of individual prescriptions at tinyurl.com/EPStracker.

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