Numark chairman Harry McQuillan has said NHS England’s roll-out of electronic prescription technology in the 210 pharmacy sites taking part in the independent prescribing pathfinder pilot is “a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation” of community pharmacy and will help “solidify” pharmacists’ roles in the NHS.

As NHSE prepares to introduce the Cleo Solo EPS system, which it said will be tested and rolled out “in the coming months,” McQullian (pictured) told Independent Community Pharmacist the technology was “just the beginning” and was confident the pilot’s success will see it introduced across the entire community pharmacy network in England.

Insisting the technology was “not just another technical upgrade,” he said: “This milestone is exactly the type of development we’ve been advocating for.

“It brings the pharmacy profession into the digital age, providing the tools necessary to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

“By equipping pharmacists with the ability to prescribe and manage medications electronically, we are finally recognising the full potential of pharmacists as key healthcare providers.”

McQuillan said the pilot was a key step to realising a community pharmacy prescribing service which Labour outlined in its general election manifesto.

He said Numark was “ready and eager to work closely” with NHSE to support the technology’s introduction, “particularly in the pathfinder sites where many” of its members operate.

“We are committed to take proactive steps to ensure that our members are fully equipped to make the most of this new technology,” McQuillan said.

“We understand the challenges that come with the adoption of new systems, and we will provide our members with the resources, training and support they need to seamlessly integrate this development into their practice.”

He said it was “crucial” for community pharmacy to “engage with the new system” and “provide feedback.”

“This would not only solidify the role of pharmacists within the NHS’s vision for a more integrated and efficient healthcare system but also help alleviate some of the pressures currently faced by GPs and other healthcare professionals,” McQuillan said.

“The ability to prescribe independently, supported by advanced technology, is an exciting prospect. It represents a significant step forward in the evolution of our profession, one that ensures we continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of our patients.”