Key points
A quick summary of delivering EPS Release 2 functionality to your pharmacy involves the following:
- EPS Release 2 compliant PMR software and message broker
- Suitable computer hardware
- Dedicated telephone broadband line (via NPAnet/NUMARKnet)
- Managed BT authorised router
- Smart card readers for each system
- Bar code scanner for each system
- Asset management software - antivirus/disaster recovery/software management
Delivering EPS as a workable well managed solution for pharmacy is a complex area and will involve many changes in terms of support, hardware and working practices. Rx Systems will work to ensure that the impact of EPS on pharmacy professional and commercial functionality, working practices and SOPs is kept to a minimum.
EPS will be deployed in two releases with release one involving paper and electronic systems working side by side across all practices and pharmacies in England. The main objective of the release one phase was to ensure the IT infrastructure was in place; in the main, release one has been implemented. Release two involves "fully electronic" prescriptions and patient nomination of preferred dispensing locations.
EPS Release 1 functionality has been rolled out to 95% of Rx Systems' English customers. Rx Systems ProScript ® v2.60 is now EPS Release 2 compliant meaning that this functionality can be ordered by Rx Systems clients in England. Once this functionality is installed and activated a pharmacy can claim the £1,000 EPS Release 2 funding, and begin nominating patients on the Personal Demographic Service (PDS)
N3 connectivity:
Securnet/NUMARKnet are "accredited network aggregators" for N3 connectivity. Rx Systems in conjunction with Securnet/NUMARKnet provide a 'one stop' solution to our customers and we can manage all of your connectivity requirements. Standard Securnet/NUMARKnet broadband connections can be "seamlessly" transferred to a fully managed N3 connection.
