ETP

In order to be able to use the Electronic Prescription Service pharmacy contractors will need to have:

an ETP compliant pharmacy system accredited as such by NHS Connecting for Health (either Release 1 or Release 2).
appropriate network connectivity to be able to operate the Electronic Prescription Service (details of connectivity arrangements for community pharmacies will be made available by NHS Connecting for Health).
staff operating the service who are registered users and have been issued with smart cards and PIN numbers by their PCT's Registration Authority. (NB: During R1 it is only necessary for pharmacists to have smart cards)

When a pharmacy contractor is able to operate the Electronic Prescription Service if an appropriate prescription is presented or requested, the pharmacy can claim £200/month from the PCT using the appropriate Claim Form. If at a later date the pharmacy contractor becomes unable to operate the Electronic Prescription Service, they must inform the PCT in writing immediately so that payment of this ongoing allowance is stopped.

If you need a Smart card or have a problem with your smart card, please contact the appropriate person at your PCT:

Devon PCT Gail Irvine 01392 687 119

Torbay Care Trust Gary Kennington 01626 358 818

NHS Plymouth Beth Orlando 01752 434 870

Please see the attached file for problem escalation procedure flowchart.

It may be possible to see when your smartcard is due to expire through your pharmacy computer. Open the attached document to see how to view your own smartcard expiry date. How to view Expiry Date