Lyme Regis and Charmouth: New prescription service to launch (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Lyme Regis and Charmouth: New prescription service to launch

11:00am Wednesday 11th July 2012 in Lyme Regis

A NEW way to get medicines and appliances has gone live in Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is a new national NHS service that will give people the chance to change how their GP sends their prescription to the place they choose to collect their medicines or appliances.

It means patients will not have to pick up a paper prescription from their GP, as it can be delivered electronically.

Julia Booth is commissioning manager for pharmacy services in Dorset. She said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this service to people living in and around Lyme Regis and Charmouth as it offers real benefits to local patients.

“As we develop the electronic prescriptions services it will be available to more and more people across the county – saving time and resources.”

Charmouth-based pharmacist Francis Lock is one of the first in the area to use the electronic prescription service.

He said: “We think it will be a great advance for the health services locally especially as there will be fewer bits of paper flying around, which can make everyone’s lives easier.

“We are expecting to gradually build up the service over the next few months.

“I think it is important to reassure and remind patients that they should continue to order their medications just as they do now.

Any changes will be explained to them as they happen, and should they have any questions at any time don’t hesitate to ask.”

Health officials say the system will save patients’ time as they will no longer have to visit their GP to collect the paper prescription and will increase choice about where to get medicines as prescriptions can be delivered to a pharmacy of the patients choosing.

Visit .cfh.nhs.uk/eps<&eh> for more information.