HealthTech NHS Digital Pharmacy Dispensing Platform

EPS R3

• electronic prescriptions from GP to pharmacy. (1) prescription download (pharmacy nominates -- EPS Token API), (2) dispensing claim (NHSBSA FP10 claim -- GBP9.90 dispensing fee per item 2024/25), (3) cancellation handling (GP cancels before dispensing), (4) repeat dispensing (multiple EPS tokens), (5) controlled drugs (Schedule 2/3 -- EPS CD prescriptions require paper signature for Schedule 2).
• Monthly FP10 claim automated to NHS BSA.

MDS Barcode Verification

MDS (Monitored Dosage System): blister pack compliance aids for complex patients.

Critical DCB0129 hazard

wrong medication in blister.

Mitigation

barcode verification required at each MDS dispensing step -- scanner prevents wrong drug from being placed in blister.

System

each medication scanned against prescription before placement.

MDS schedule

which medications, which times, which days -- automated from GP repeat prescriptions.

Critical hazards and mitigations

• 1wrong drug -- barcode scan at dispensing, patient identity check before handout,
• 2wrong dose -- dose check display (prescribed vs dispensed),
• 3expired medication -- batch/expiry tracking (alert if expiry within 7 days),
• 4allergy not checked -- NHS GP Connect allergy data at dispensing (automated alert if allergy match),
• 5controlled drug error -- CD register, dual pharmacist verification for Schedule 2.

CQC and GPhC Compliance

• 1SOPs digital library (CQC -- version control for all dispensing SOPs),
• 2CD register (Schedule 2 -- running balance, dual checks, GPhC regulation),
• 3near-miss reporting (GPhC quality improvement),
• 4clinical audit (quarterly),
• 5CPD records (GPhC pharmacist records). Companies House verification for new pharmacy owner GPhC registration.