The green paper prescription is on its way out. Nearly every prescription written in England now travels electronically, and for the small minority still on paper the NHS's target is clear — everything digital. Most people have used the Electronic Prescription Service without realising it; a few have avoided it because it sounds complicated. It isn't. Here's how EPS actually works, why it's more secure than the paper it replaced, and how to set up repeat prescriptions online so you never have to chase a green slip again.
What the Electronic Prescription Service actually is
The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is the NHS's system for sending prescriptions directly from your prescriber (GP, hospital, pharmacist prescriber, dentist) to a pharmacy — digitally, securely, no paper in between.
When your GP signs off your medicines on their computer, the prescription is instantly available to be dispensed at the pharmacy of your choice. You don't collect a slip. You don't hand anything in. You turn up, or we deliver, and it's ready.
Two things make it possible:
- NHS Spine — the secure national infrastructure that carries the prescription.
- Your nominated pharmacy — the one that receives it automatically. (See our guide on how to nominate a pharmacy on the NHS App if you haven't set one yet.)
If you haven't nominated a pharmacy, EPS still works — the prescription goes to a "one-off" pool and you pick which pharmacy dispenses it via a barcode reference. Slightly less smooth, still paperless.
How electronic prescriptions actually flow
The journey of a modern repeat prescription:
- You request it — via the NHS App, your GP surgery's online system, or a repeat request slip. Increasingly you can also let Brookfield Pharmacy manage the request for you.
- Your GP reviews and signs — usually within 48 hours.
- NHS Spine routes it — to your nominated pharmacy (us) within seconds of the GP signing.
- We dispense — often before you know it's ready. Most of our regulars have their repeats picked, checked and bagged the same working day.
- You collect or we deliver — walk-in, drive by for the drive-through, or free local delivery.
Total elapsed time from request to ready: often under 48 hours, sometimes same day if the GP is quick.
Why EPS is more secure than the paper it replaced
A green FP10 could be lost, stolen, altered, or forged. EPS removes all four:
- Encrypted digital signatures. Every prescription carries the prescriber's cryptographic signature — impossible to replicate without their smartcard and PIN.
- NHS Spine only. Prescriptions travel through the NHS's own secure infrastructure, not email or the open internet.
- Full audit trail. Every prescription can be traced from prescriber to dispenser with a timestamp. Missing or misdirected prescriptions can be tracked back and reissued.
- Nomination is user-controlled. Only you can change where your prescriptions go, via the NHS App or by asking a pharmacy in person.
- No physical intermediary. No paper for anyone to intercept, alter, or copy.
Data protection is governed by the same NHS-wide standards that cover your medical record — not a private company's terms of service.
The convenience features that matter
Beyond "it's paperless," EPS makes possible things paper never could:
Repeat prescriptions online. Order via the NHS App at 11pm; wake up to a "your medicine is ready" text.
Prescription delivery. With your prescription already at the pharmacy electronically, arranging delivery is a straight logistics job. Brookfield Pharmacy offers free local delivery across Hucclecote and much of Gloucester for repeats.
Managed repeats. We can order your repeats from your GP on your behalf, so you don't have to remember. Sign up in person or ask about repeat prescription management.
Emergency continuity when you're away from home. If you run out on holiday, a UK pharmacy anywhere can dispense your prescription via a one-off token — you don't have to be near your usual pharmacy.
Fewer errors. No unreadable handwriting, no lost slips, no "was that 10mg or 100mg?"
Setting up electronic prescriptions with Brookfield Pharmacy
If you're not yet using EPS smoothly, three quick setup steps:
- Nominate Brookfield Pharmacy as your dispenser. Fastest via the NHS App (see our step-by-step nomination guide), or use our nomination page, or ask at the counter.
- Enable prescription ordering. In the NHS App, "Prescriptions" section, request a repeat directly. Or ask us to manage your repeats — we'll order them from your GP when they're due.
- Set up delivery if you'd like it. Free for many patients across Gloucester and surrounding areas — call to check we cover your address.
Total setup time: about five minutes. And you never have to phone the surgery for a repeat again.
Common concerns, addressed
"What if I want to change pharmacies for one prescription?"
You can. Ask your GP to issue a one-off prescription rather than the nominated route, and you collect it anywhere with the barcode token. Your standing nomination stays with us.
"What if my nominated pharmacy is closed or out of stock?"
Any UK pharmacy can access the prescription in an emergency via the token. You'll get help.
"What happens if I need to see the actual prescription?"
We can print a copy of the EPS token or the dispensed label on request. Everything you'd want visible on the old green form is available.
"Is my medicine information safe on the NHS App?"
Yes — the NHS App uses NHS login and identity verification, and prescription data is not shared with any third party. Same protection level as your GP record.
Who can prescribe via EPS
Most prescribers now — not just GPs:
- GPs and GP practice pharmacists
- Hospital prescribers
- Community pharmacist prescribers (including our team at Brookfield Pharmacy for Pharmacy First conditions)
- Dentists
- Nurse prescribers, physiotherapists with prescribing rights, and others
If any of these have prescribed for you, it's likely already come to us electronically.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a smartphone to use EPS?
No. Nomination can be set up in person at the pharmacy, and you can still collect prescriptions in person or have them delivered. The NHS App just makes management easier.
Can I still get paper prescriptions if I want?
Yes — you can ask your GP to issue paper (FP10) prescriptions, though most surgeries default to electronic. There's no benefit to paper unless you specifically need it.
What happens if my GP surgery hasn't gone electronic yet?
The vast majority have. If your surgery still issues paper only, the transition is happening soon. Nothing you do at your end changes; when they switch, your nomination will start receiving prescriptions automatically.
Can controlled drugs go through EPS?
Yes. Since 2019, most controlled drug prescriptions can be issued via EPS with the same digital signature protection. A few classes still require paper.
How do I know my prescription has arrived at the pharmacy?
Check in the NHS App under "Prescriptions" — it shows which have been signed and which have been dispensed. Or just call us on 01452 618377.
Set up electronic prescriptions with Brookfield Pharmacy today
Nominate us via our nomination page or the NHS App, and every future prescription arrives electronically the moment your GP signs it off. Add free local delivery and we handle the rest. Brookfield Pharmacy is at 5 Brookfield Road, Hucclecote, Gloucester GL3 3HA, open Monday to Friday 8:30–18:00 and Saturday 9:00–12:00. Call 01452 618377 for any questions.
About Ravneet Chahal
Ravneet Chahal is a highly qualified Pharmacist Prescriber at Brookfield Pharmacy with extensive professional credentials and expertise in clinical pharmacy practice.
Qualifications: MPharm, PGDip, PGCert IP, MCMA
With her specialized knowledge and prescribing authority, Ravneet is committed to providing evidence-based health information and personalized pharmaceutical care. She supports our patients in making informed decisions about their health and wellness.