“What do fax machines, dial-up internet and paper pad prescriptions have in common?“ asks Bernard Lim, Business Development Manager. “They were all the bee’s knees in their heyday, but in today’s world where everything is just a click away and pressure on healthcare is mounting – they’re relics of the past.”
In this blog, Bernard looks at what the switch to ePrescribing means for private clinics and hospitals, the hurdles they might face, how to leap over them and why going digital isn’t just about keeping up – it’s about getting ahead.
Digital transformation – the UK is saying goodbye to paper prescription pads
The clock’s ticking on paper prescriptions in the UK. The Government’s push for a fully digital NHS prescribing system in 2025 is gaining momentum, creating challenges and opportunities for private healthcare providers – especially for clinic groups, small private hospitals or those managing multiple practices.
While standalone practitioners may find this shift manageable, anyone looking after a larger setup will need to tackle some big hurdles if they want a smooth transition. From streamlining processes across sites to checking compliance and safeguarding sensitive patient data, it’s time to rethink how prescriptions are managed.
Private healthcare is using tech to give it the edge
The NHS’s journey toward digital prescribing has been well-documented, with obstacles ranging from infrastructure gaps to budget constraints – let’s just say it hasn’t always been a walk in the park. For private clinics and hospitals these hurdles are a bit less daunting. Many are already looking at modern tech solutions which makes the move to ePrescribing feel a lot more manageable.
Private healthcare providers are well placed to move faster and choose the latest systems that fit how they work. That kind of flexibility and decision making isn’t just handy – it’s a real edge in a competitive market.
Unique challenges for clinics and hospitals
Managing larger setups comes with distinct challenges compared to standalone practices:
- Volume management: private hospitals often handle higher prescription volumes, requiring robust systems that can scale efficiently
- Integration across multiple sites: ensuring that ePrescribing tools are compatible across your group of clinics or hospital network can be tricky but is essential for a seamless experience
- Standardised protocols: establishing clear guidelines for staff at different locations to follow for uniformity and compliance
- Cost considerations: implementing digital prescribing across multiple sites may come with upfront costs, but the long-term savings and improved workflow can offset this investment
Unlocking opportunities with digital prescribing
Here’s the silver lining – ePrescribing is an opportunity to elevate the standard of care across your facilities. Patients increasingly expect seamless, tech-enabled services and digital prescribing is one way to meet and exceed those expectations.
What’s more, by leading the charge on digital prescribing, private clinics and hospitals can set themselves apart in a crowded market. Whether it’s reducing wait times, simplifying meds management or improving patient satisfaction – benefits like these are tangible and far-reaching:
- Centralised systems: easily manage patient records across multiple practices or facilities
- Improved accuracy: no more misreading handwriting or mixing up meds
4 steps to get started
To ensure a successful transition to digital prescribing:
- Assess your current systems: evaluate your existing tech infrastructure and identify gaps
- Choose the right tool: look for ePrescribing solutions that align with your operational needs across multiple locations
- Train your teams: make staff training a priority to ensure adoption and proper use
- Communicate with patients: keep them informed about the change and its benefits
Say hello to intelligent prescribing
For private clinics and hospitals, digital prescribing is a chance to lead the way, enhancing operations and setting new standards in patient care.
And if you’re looking for a system that makes this transition effortless, our Prescribing in ePractice is exactly what you need. The perfect fit for clinic groups and small private hospitals, it’s not just a prescribing tool – it’s part of a rapidly evolving practice management solution that’s driven by Healthcode Intelligence to help you deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right way
The feedback speaks for itself
Change that actually makes life easier, now that’s something worth talking about. The feedback for Prescribing in ePractice has been incredible – practitioners are calling it a total game-changer. It’s safer, faster and a huge time-saver. And honestly, seeing real practices cut down on stress and reclaim valuable time? That’s exactly why we do this.
But don’t just take our word for it. Dr Bav Shergill, Chief Medical Officer of MySkinDoctor, put it best when he said “Prescribing in ePractice has truly transformed my workflow – making prescribing safer, faster and more efficient – allowing me to focus more on patient care. I can confidently prescribe knowing the medication will be in stock and fulfilled by Pharmacy2U, eliminating prescription refusals which with my previous e-script provider was a big issue for my patients. The integration with dm+d and BNF ensures accuracy, and the real time contraindication is an added bonus – and there’s no more switching between systems, I can now write prescriptions directly within Healthcode, saving time and reducing hassle.”
Book your demo of Prescribing
Interested in seeing it in action? Get in touch for a demo.
