Connecting for Health (CfH) has created a logo to be displayed in pharmacies and surgeries to support the rollout of release two of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).
The symbol is designed to act as a signpost for pharmacies and practices that are live with release two of EPS, and CfH says it hopes the logo will become a nationally recognised symbol that GP practices and pharmacies can use to promote the service.
The EPS symbol will also be featured on a sign that will be made available to sites on the day they go live with EPS release two with different formats for use in windows, counter tops and notice boards.
The symbol was designd in consultation with clinical and patient representatives. Kathy Bairstow, a representative from Epilepsy Action and a member of the EPS Patient User Group, said: "This sign is essential in helping patients, many of whom will not be familiar with the new service, to recognise at a glance where they can request for their nomination to be recorded.
"It is really important to have a visual device like this, especially when you consider that some patient groups that are high prescription users are perhaps less aware of new technology than others."
CfH has also published a leaflet for GP practices and pharmacies on release two of EPS. The leaflet contains an overview of how release two will affect business processes for both prescribers and dipsnesers. CfH says more detailed guidance will follow after it has been tested and refined by the release two initial implementer sites.
Release two initial implemnters are running at least six months late but CfH has said that it hopes sites will start to go live in the spring or summer this year.
Fiona Barr