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A new way to get your appliances from OstoMART

In the future, many prescriptions are to be sent electronically via the Internet. This service is called The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). It is an NHS service, and it gives you the chance to change how your GP sends your prescription to us.

What does this mean for you?

• If you collect your repeat prescriptions from your GP you will not have to visit your GP practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will send it electronically to us, saving you time.

Is this service right for you?

Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:

• don't want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
• get your appliances from us most of the time.
• use our delivery service now.

No, if you:

• don't get prescriptions very often.
• get your appliances from different places.

How can you use EPS?

You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription to. This is called nomination. Nomination is a simple one off procedure. You can nominate OstoMART as your choice by either filling in the simple form on the right, or by telling your GP practice.

Can I change my nomination or cancel it and get a paper prescription?

Yes you can. If you don't want your prescription to be sent electronically tell your GP. If you want to change or cancel your nomination speak to any pharmacist or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS, or your GP practice. Tell them before your next prescription is due or your prescription may be sent to the wrong place.

Is EPS reliable, secure and confidential?

Yes. The same people in GP practices, and at OstoMART, as well as NHS prescription payment and fraud agencies that see your paper prescription now will see your electronic prescription. Sometimes dispensers may see that you have nominated another dispenser. For example, if you forget who you have nominated and ask them to check or, if you have nominated more than one dispenser.
For more information about EPS visit www.cfh.nhs.uk/eps, your pharmacy or GP practice.

When will the EPS service start?

The NHS anticipates that the service will be fully operational by the end of 2011. To be able to offer you the service, OstoMART is investing in the very latest NHS computer equipment. EPS will speed up the process of obtaining your supplies, but don’t worry if you don’t want to change how you send your prescription to us, as it will always be possible to ask for a familiar green prescription from your GP.