Pharmacists get e-prescriptions service

Chemist chain and technology vendors join forces to offer one-stop-shop

UniChem has launched a service to deliver the technology backbone underpinning the NHS electronic prescription service (EPS) to UK pharmacies.

The UK wholesale division of pharmaceutical giant Alliance UniChem has joined forces with IT partners to deliver a broadband-based service for the electronic transmission, processing and reimbursement of prescriptions to pharmacies.

Anthony Roberts, UniChem IT director says the service offers a one-stop-shop for EPS readiness, connecting pharmacies to N3, the national NHS network backbone.

‘We are offering our customers an IT solution which can be tailored to the individual needs of every pharmacy, taking away the hassle and confusion’ he said.

Every pharmacist wanting to join the scheme will need a compliant electronic medical records system and an N3 connection approved by NHS IT body, Connecting for Health.

UniChem is working with virtual network operator Sirocom to provide a Connecting for Health-approved managed broadband connection to N3, while specialist vendor Cegedim will supply the records system.

The service will be rolled out to the 1,000-strong Alliance Pharmacy chain - the UK retail division of Alliance UniChem - and other independent pharmacies, following an project involving 1,000 pharmacies.