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Three more pharmacy system suppliers have received approval to roll out their software in community pharmacies to support electronic prescribing service (EPS) in Wales. The approval means all seven pharmacy system suppliers who have contracts with pharmacies in Wales can now deliver EPS. Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) announced on 17 January 2025 that healthcare technology firms Cegedim Rx, EMIS and PharmacyX have successfully developed and tested systems capable of handling electronic prescriptions. "Following robust monitoring, any pharmacy using the suppliers' software will be able to use EPS, providing they have completed a number of readiness activities," DHCW stated. System suppliers Invatech, Boots, Positive Solutions and Clanwilliam completed testing of their software systems last year. Apotec is currently undergoing the assurance process, according to DHCW. This development marks a significant milestone in DHCW's aim to move from a paper-based prescription process to a digital system.

Wales launched the new electronic prescribing service (EPS) last week, with the country's first electronic prescription sent and dispensed on 17 November. The new service allows prescriptions to be sent digitally to a patient's nominated pharmacy, thus eliminating the need for paper forms. It is part of a wider plan to introduce digital medicines and e-prescribing in all hospitals and primary care in the country. Wellington Road Pharmacy and Lakeside Medical Centre in Rhyl became the first community pharmacy and GP practice to use the EPS, which is expected to be rolled out across Wales in January 2024.