Electronic Prescription Service at Highfield Pharmacy, St Albans

The NHS Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is a secure digital system that sends prescriptions electronically from a GP practice to a nominated pharmacy. It removes the need for a paper prescription, making it faster and often more convenient for patients in St Albans.

What is the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)?

EPS is the NHS service that allows your GP to send prescriptions electronically to a pharmacy you choose. Instead of receiving a paper prescription to take to a chemist, your prescription is held digitally and released to the pharmacy you have nominated.

How EPS works

1. Your GP issues a prescription and sends it electronically via the NHS EPS system.
2. You nominate Highfield Pharmacy as your dispensing pharmacy (either through your GP or by asking our team to help).
3. When the prescription is ready, Highfield Pharmacy receives it and prepares your medication.
4. We contact you if there are any queries or when your prescription is ready to collect.

Who can use EPS and eligibility

Most patients registered with GP practices in England can use EPS. The service is suitable for people who want a quicker, paper-free prescription process and for those who collect regular repeat medicines.

Eligibility checklist

• You are registered with a GP practice in England.
• Your GP offers EPS (most practices use it routinely).
• You have nominated Highfield Pharmacy as your nominated pharmacy for electronic prescriptions.
• You are able to collect your medication from the nominated pharmacy or discuss collection options with our team.

If you prefer not to use EPS you can ask your GP for a paper prescription instead. You can also change your nominated pharmacy at any time through your GP practice.

How Highfield Pharmacy delivers EPS

At Highfield Pharmacy we receive your electronic prescriptions securely and prepare medication in line with NHS processes. Our trained pharmacists and dispensers ensure your prescription is checked for safety, accuracy and suitability.

What to expect when your prescription arrives

• We will process your prescription promptly once it is received from your GP.
• Our team will check interactions, dosing and provide any necessary advice at collection.
• If there are queries or changes, we will contact your GP and let you know the outcome.

We are committed to confidentiality and will only release medication to the patient or an authorised person. If someone else is collecting on your behalf, please let us know so we can ensure a smooth handover.

How to nominate Highfield Pharmacy and book a collection

You can nominate Highfield Pharmacy as your EPS pharmacy in several simple ways. Ask your GP practice to set Highfield Pharmacy as your nominated pharmacy when they issue your next prescription, or change your nomination through your GP practice online services.

Need help nominating or booking?

• Pop into Highfield Pharmacy in St Albans and speak to our medicines counter team; we can advise and help contact your GP practice if needed.
• If you prefer, ask your GP receptionist or use your GP practice online service to nominate Highfield Pharmacy by name.
• Once nominated, your prescriptions will be sent electronically to us and we will contact you when they are ready to collect.

Practical tips and checklist for patients

• Bring a form of ID if someone else will collect on your behalf so we can confirm authorisation.
• If you have recently changed GP or address, check your nomination to make sure prescriptions go to Highfield Pharmacy.
• Let our team know about any allergies or other medicines you are taking so we can check for interactions.
• If you have regular repeat prescriptions, consider nominating us to simplify future collections.

Q: Can I still get a paper prescription instead of EPS?

A: Yes. If you prefer a paper prescription, ask your GP practice and they can issue one instead of sending it electronically.

Q: How do I change my nominated pharmacy to Highfield Pharmacy?

A: Contact your GP practice (by phone, in person or via their online service) and ask them to nominate Highfield Pharmacy for your prescriptions. You can also pop into the pharmacy and we will help explain the steps.

Q: Will EPS speed up my prescription collection?

A: Often yes. Because prescriptions are sent electronically, the pharmacy can start preparing your items as soon as the GP issues them, reducing waiting time at collection.

If you live in or near St Albans and would like to use the NHS Electronic Prescription Service, please visit Highfield Pharmacy, speak to our friendly team or ask your GP to nominate us. We are here to help you manage your medicines safely and conveniently.