EPS in Wales
Supporting the delivery of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) across Wales
ProScript Connect
EPS in Wales Supporting the delivery of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) across Wales
Contents Supporting your pharmacy with the Electronic ............................. 4 Prescription Service (EPS)
Benefits of EPS.................................................................................................... 5
Getting started.................................................................................................... 6
Downloading and processing an EPS prescription........................ 8
Supporting your patients.............................................................................. 11
Supporting EPS with additional modules............................................ 12
ScriptCheck........................................................................................................... 13
Smart Pharmacy..................................................................................................14
Support and guidance.....................................................................................15
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Wales has taken a significant step forward in healthcare modernisation with the introduction of EPS. For the first time, Welsh GPs will no longer need to physically print and sign green paper prescriptions. Instead, prescriptions will be signed electronically and sent directly to the patient’s nominated pharmacy electronically. This makes the prescribing and dispensing of medications easier, safer and more efficient for healthcare providers and patients alike. To help your pharmacy prepare, this document provides essential guidance in line with nationally agreed standards and customer policies for implementing EPS within your ProScript Connect® system. From best practice to helpful resources and key NHS requirements, we’re here to support your team every step of the way. Supporting your pharmacy with the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
Benefits for prescribers
Process prescriptions more efficiently
Helps to reduce administration time
Greater control over prescriptions
Benefits for dispensers
Helps to reduce dispensing errors
Enhance stock control with access to real-time prescription data
Enable more accurate reimbursement
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Getting started
What is the Golden Prescription? • The Golden Prescription is a unique prescription ID issued by DHCW. • Important: Do not enter nominations into ProScript Connect until you have processed the Golden Prescription—this must be the first EPS prescription you handle. Why is the Golden Prescription important? • It makes your pharmacy visible to GP surgeries and other locations for nominations (this may take up to 2 weeks). • It enables reimbursement for future prescriptions in Wales. • It triggers the one-time payment outlined in the Drug Tariff. What happens after claiming the Golden Prescription? • You can start entering nominations in ProScript Connect using the ‘Nominate self/own pharmacy’ button. • Once a patient has a nomination recorded in PDS, their prescriptions will default to EPS explicitly changed by their GP.
Step 1 Complete the EPS Wales Readiness Checklist Before you start using EPS, make sure you’ve completed the Readiness Checklist. The EPS implementation team at Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) should have contacted you to provide this. If you’re setting up EPS independently, you can get the EPS Wales Readiness Checklist Booklet by emailing us at uk.communitypharmacy@optum.com.
Step 2 Complete EPS training on Optum Learn Optum Learn is our free online training platform, available 24/7. We’ve created a dedicated training course to help you get the most out of EPS. This covers everything from accessing the ETP in ProScript Connect to editing an EPS prescription. Access the full training course . here
Step 3 Activate EPS in your pharmacy It’s important to remember that EPS will not be available automatically. It needs to be activated by our team on a pre-agreed go-live date, which must be scheduled in advance. Before your go-live date, make sure you have requested the Golden Prescription using the link in the EPS Wales Readiness Checklist Booklet. Requesting the Golden Prescription confirms that you have completed the Readiness Checklist.
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Receiving the prescription ProScript Connect offers multiple methods for downloading electronic prescriptions. You can: Downloading and processing an EPS prescription
Processing and dispensing the script ProScript Connect automatically matches the prescribing organisation and prescriber details with the existing patient information in the system. It then maps each prescribed drug on the prescription and, if the medication has been dispensed previously, compares it to the most recent prescription for seamless processing. The dispense EPS prescription screen will then display each item that has been pre selected:
• Download nominated scripts directly from the NHS Spine • Scan the token barcode • Manually enter the script ID
Review and confirm the quantity
Review and/or edit the dosage information as required in the ‘Enter Dosage Information’ tab.
Once prescriptions are downloaded, they can be organised for processing. Using the Batch Functions within Electronic Transmission of Prescription (ETP), new prescriptions can be printed in alphabetical order by batch, making it easier to manage and process them efficiently.
Pack sizes can be selected and label options configured where needed before the script is complete.
Access further guidance
Access further guidance
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Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) have made it even easier to let your patients know that your pharmacy now accepts electronic prescriptions. Simply click the button below and download this poster to print and display in your pharmacy. Supporting your patients
Sending notifications ProScript Connect can send a digital notification to the spine when a prescription has been dispensed to the patient. Dispense notifications can be sent individually or in batches.
Access further guidance
Claiming reimbursement ProScript Connect also allows claims to be sent individually or in batches to NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership for reimbursement.
Download EPS poster
Access further guidance
Learn more about the EPS workflow.
Click here
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ProScript Connect module ScriptCheck®, an integrated module within ProScript Connect, streamlines your dispensing workflow by reducing the time spent on repeat prescriptions, allowing you to step away from the bench and focus more on clinical service delivery. Your pharmacy can benefit from: ScriptCheck
With the launch of the EPS in Wales, your pharmacy can now access new features in your ProScript Connect system. These features are designed to streamline workflows within your pharmacy, driving efficiency and enhancing patient care. If you would like to learn more about enhancing your ProScript Connect experience, speak with a member of our team at uk.communitypharmacy@optum.com. Supporting EPS with additional modules
Retained clinical checks Once a script is downloaded and processed, ScriptCheck assesses whether a clinical check has taken place within the last 12 months. The system will then flag a script requires a manual check or can be automatically approved and processed for dispensing.
Batch processing ScriptCheck allows pharmacists to perform clinical checks on multiple repeat prescriptions in a single screen. Items can be batch-picked using a consolidated picklist, freeing up extra time.
Accurate dispensing To help ensure patient safety, ScriptCheck uses barcode scanning to verify the accuracy of dispensed medication, helping to ensure that the correct pack is matched with the right patient.
Learn more
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We know that introducing new workflows can be challenging, but we’re here to support your pharmacy every step of the way. To help you get prepared for the rollout of EPS, we’ve provided a range of resources on Optum Help Centre to guide you through workflows and best practice. Support and guidance
Smart Pharmacy
ProScript Connect module Our Smart Pharmacy module in ProScript Connect enables you to provide updates to your patients on their repeat prescriptions. With a fully digital workflow, patients can use the Patient Access® app to order repeat prescriptions, track their order status, and receive updates about any changes.
Patients receive 2 automated push
Once the prescription is completed, you can choose the final message to send to your patient regarding collection or delivery.
Smart Pharmacy helps to reduce inbound calls to your pharmacy whilst saving money on text messaging bundles.
Learn more about the EPS workflow
EPS Wales Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended best practice for pharmacies
notifications and emails during the dispensing process.
Click here
Click here
Click here
By providing patients with regular prescription status updates using Smart Pharmacy, you can not only enhance the experience for your patients, but also free up valuable time for your team.
Learn more
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Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you, speak with your local account director today, or get in touch at:
uk.communitypharmacy@optum.com
optum.co.uk/tech-enabled-services
optum.co.uk/tech-enabled-services Egton Medical Information Systems Ltd (t/a Optum) is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02117205. Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. © 2025 Optum. All rights reserved.
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