Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs (CDs) will now be available via the electronic prescription service (EPS), following successful testing at 64 GP practices across England since October 2018, NHS Digital has announced.

The EPS enables GP practices to send all Schedule 2 and 3 CDs, except oral liquid methadone, electronically, seeing a reduction in paper prescriptions, reducing administrative burdens on pharmacy staff and creating more prescription security.

NHS Digital advises anyone involved in dispensing to prepare for the change and to advise patients that their items can now be sent via EPS to their nominated pharmacy.

Martin Bennett, chairman and superintendent pharmacist at Sheffield-based Associated Chemists (Wicker) Ltd, said: “Being able to receive prescriptions for controlled drugs electronically is a welcome improvement to the electronic prescription service.” He added: “It will speed up the process, reduce the potential of errors when prescriptions are hand written and make the dispensing of controlled drugs safer and more secure”.