System Supplier Status

Information on the progress made by system suppliers to develop the systems needed to operate EPS is available for prescribing systems and dispensing systems.

Status of N3 Internet Service Providers

All community pharmacies will need a suitable network connection with an N3 Internet service provider to enable them to use the Electronic Prescription Service - allowing them to send and receive electronic messages. All connectivity is based around N3 - the New National Network for the NHS.

Secretary of State Direction

Details of the PCTs listed in The Primary Medical Services (Electronic Prescription Service Authorisation) Directions 2008 are available on the rollout section of this website.

The Primary Medical Services (Electronic Prescription Service Authorisation) Directions 2008 list the primary care trusts that are able to authorise the use of the ETP service (Electronic Transmission of Prescriptions service, which is the Electronic Prescription Service) by:

• (a) any primary medical services contractor with whom it is entering or has entered into a primary medical services contract; or
• (b) any practice established by the PCT.

The Department of Health has produced Guidance for PCTs (PDF 121Kb) to support the implementation of the Directions.