2DRx SOP - LloydsPharmacy

2DRx Standard Operating Procedure 

Title 2DRx – Dispensing Standard Operating Procedures 

SOP Number AMS 104 001 

Issue Date July 2011 

Purpose To define the 2DRx Service procedure for the dispensing of medication to 

ensure a safe, consistent, accurate and professional service. 

Scope The procedures apply to all staff involved in the dispensing procedure. 

Title Print 

name 

Written by Professional Standards Andrew 

and 

Governance 

Pharmacist 

Clinical Sampson 

Approved by Network Support Dharm 

Manager 

Parmar 

Professional Standards 

and Clinical 

Governance 

Pharmacist 

Authorised by Superintendent 

Pharmacist 

Implementation 

Date 

July 2011 

Robert 

Bradshaw 

Steve 

Howard 

Signature Date 

22/6/2011 

22/6/2011 

22/6/2011 

22/6/2011

Barcoded Prescriptions – 2DRx (Wales only) 

2DRx brings a numbers of benefits to patients, GPs and community pharmacists. It will mean 

that pharmacists will not have to transcribe all the information from the prescription onto 

the CoMPaSS system. It should lead to reduced communication errors and improved 

service to the patient. 

Introduction 

In order to comply with Clinical Governance requirements, healthcare professions are 

required to put in place strategies for risk minimisation and harm reduction. From 1 January 

2005, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (now the General Pharmaceutical 

Council) introduced the requirement for pharmacists to have in place and operate written 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as part of the process of assuring good Clinical 

Governance in pharmacy. This has subsequently been made a legal requirement of The 

Medicines (Pharmacies) (Responsible Pharmacist) Regulations 2008 which came into force 

on the 1 October 2009. Developing and working with SOPs will ensure that systems 

operating in our pharmacies are safe and will allow us to improve standards. In addition 

changes to legislation may lead to procedures for regulating healthcare professions and 

SOPs may be a requirement of this process. 

2DRx Standard Operation Procedure July 2011 Page 2

Refer to 

pharmacist 

Return Rx to 

surgery 

Refer to 

pharmacist 

Wrong prescription 

given to customer 

by surgery 

Not signed 

2DRx Prescription Reception 

Check name, 

address, postcode and 

DOB of customer 

Correct details 

Verify Doctor 

has signed the 

prescription 

Advise of estimated 

waiting time 

Annotate prescriptions 

for time and Waiting (W) 

or Calling Back (CB) 

Annotate number of forms 

i.e. 1/2, 

2/2 

Place prescription(s) in 

appropriate coloured 

basket and add to 

dispensing queue 

Old address 

or surname 

Wrong name or 

address 

Change name 

or address 


Prescription Reception (Docket Procedure) 

In addition to Prescription 

Reception SOP 

Stamp docket with branch 

stamp 

Complete docket and pass 

customer’s portion to 

customer/ representative 

Clearly mark docket with 

number of forms 

Attach completed 

docket to prescription 

and place in 

appropriately coloured 

basket 


Return to 

prescriber 

No 

Legal 

requirements 

correct? 

Yes 

Scan or enter 

barcode on 

prescription 

Dispense prescription 

following Dispensing and 

Recording of Prescriptions 

for Controlled Drugs in the 

Dispensary SOP 

2DRxs Received by Post - IPSS 

Yes 

Are any 

Prescriptions for 

controlled drugs? 

Scan 2D 

barcode on 

prescription 

Dispense 

prescription 

following SOP 

Ensure correct 

endorsement 

on prescription 

form 

Place bag in storage location and 

file script A-Z 

Customer returns – locate script 

and retrieve bag 

Follow Prescription 

Transfer SOP 




Prescription Reception 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure that all prescriptions are dealt with in a prompt, efficient and 

professional manner. 

This SOP will ensure: 

• Customer details are complete and accurate 

• Prescription presented is for the correct person 

• Realistic completion time is given 

• Prescriptions are dealt with in a consistent and efficient manner across all Lloyds 

pharmacies 

• A standard method of receipt of prescriptions 

Scope 

This SOP will include 2DRx NHS prescriptions which are presented for dispensing by 

customers or their representatives and prescriptions received for dispensing by post or 

collection service from local surgery. 

The use of prescription dockets (which are only used in a small number of Lloyds 

pharmacies) will be covered as an additional element to this SOP. 

Responsibility 

Members of staff responsible for this process should be listed in the Record of Competence. 

Only those members of staff listed are to be considered competent to carry out this 

procedure. No other member of staff should be asked to carry out any part of this process. 

Review 

The SOP will be reviewed annually, when there are any changes to legislation affecting the 

process, or in the event of any change of staff, or any increase or decrease in the 

competence level of the staff. The SOP should also be reviewed following a critical incident. 

The responsibility for reviewing the SOP rests with the Pharmacy Manager (Pharmacist), or 

in their absence, the Pharmacist or Pharmacy Manager (non-Pharmacist). In the absence of 

these members of staff, the Area Manager will be responsible for review. 

If as a result of the review any changes to the SOP are deemed necessary, these must be 

approved by the Superintendent’s Department. For any changes to the SOP an application 

must be submitted, in writing, explaining in detail the changes deemed necessary and the 

reasoning behind these changes. The application should be sent by post to the 

Superintendent’s Department, at Sapphire Court. 


Associated Risks 

The prescription may be given to the wrong person by the staff at the local surgery. The 

customer may then be given medication which is not intended for them and also be without 

their own prescribed medication. 

The customer’s details may by incorrect. Perhaps a previous address or surname has been 

recorded on the prescription. In this instance it may be appropriate to alter the customer’s 

details to allow the customer’s records to be updated. Of course this would not be 

applicable to prescriptions for controlled drugs. If any other details are incorrect on the 

prescription this should be referred to the pharmacist as this may result in the customer’s 

medication being recorded on the wrong patient medication record and consequently the 

possible failure to detect interactions, changes in dose or strength. If in doubt always check 

with the Pharmacist. 

The customer’s date of birth or age may not be recorded on the prescription. This could 

result in the failure to adjust the dose as appropriate. 

The use of coloured baskets is mandatory in the dispensing process. 

Handy Hints 

Ensure patient confidentiality is conserved at all times when requesting confirmation of the 

patient’s name, address and D.O.B. Customer Service levels must be maintained when 

receiving prescriptions in the pharmacy, with the customer being kept informed of the 

reasons behind the request for personal information. 


Legal requirements correct? 

Yes 

Genuine? 

Yes 

Allowed on NHS? 

Yes 

Is dose form appropriate? 

Yes 

No contraindications 

Yes 

No interactions 

Yes 

No adverse reactions 

Yes 

No misuse issues? 

Yes 

Drug in local formularies? 

Yes 

Drug suitable for 

customer’s condition? 

Yes 

Labelling SOP 

Pharmaceutical Assessment 

No 

No 

Return to prescriber 

for correction 

Professional 

judgement (see 

handy hints) 

Yes 

Intervention 

required 

Follow Intervention 

SOP 

No 

intervention 

required 

2DRx Standard Operation Procedure July 2011 Page 10 

No 

Record any 

clinically 

significant event 

on Intervention 

& Referral form 

and annotate 

CoMPaSS 

Follow Labelling 

SOP

Pharmaceutical Assessment 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure that all prescriptions that are dispensed are safe, valid and 

clinically appropriate. 


• The script is safe for the customer 

• The script is clinically appropriate 

• The script is legally valid 

• All the items prescribed on the script are reimbursable 

• The medicines are used as intended 

Scope 

This SOP covers the pharmaceutical assessment of all 2DRx NHS prescriptions. 





Review 














Pay particular attention when assessing drugs with a narrow therapeutic index and those 

with potential to cause the greatest harm e.g. Methotrexate and Lithium 

In addition: 

• New or unfamiliar drugs 

• New or unfamiliar customers 

• Critically ill customers 

• Drugs with similar names or packaging 

• Drugs the subject of an NPSA alert 

Handy Hints 

Do not rely on your computer system for interaction checks. 

The CoMPaSS system can be used to check if the patient has had the medication before or if 

there are any changes to the patient’s medication. 

Legal guidance can be found in Medicines Ethics and Practice, A Guide for Pharmacists and 

Pharmacy Technicians. 

Remember that most computer systems do not alert you to dosage errors. 

Always check unusual doses in the BNF or other reference material. 

The pharmacist should check if the patient is taking any other medications, such as OTC 

products. 

Keep abreast of developments in therapeutics-CPD. 


Interventions and Problem Solving (1) - Prescriber SOP 

No 

When will prescriber be 

available? If unavailable 

consider discussing with 

alternative prescriber 

Inform customer of delay and 

when query will be resolved. 

Obtain contact telephone 

number if appropriate 

PRESCRIBER 

Inform customer of 

the need to contact 

prescriber without 

causing undue alarm 

Prescriber 

available? 

Contact prescriber 

or discuss with 

customer 

Decision 

made based on 

professional 

judgement 

Refer customer to 

prescriber 

Record any clinically 

significant interventions on 

Intervention & Referral 

form and annotate 

CoMPaSS 

Discuss query 

with prescriber 

CUSTOMER 

(see Customer SOP) 

Agreement 

reached with prescriber on 

appropriate action 


significant 

interventions on 

Intervention & 

Referral form and 

annotate CoMPaSS 


Communicate 

outcome to 

customer 


Yes 

Not dispense 

No 

Dispense 

Yes

Interventions and Problem Solving (2) - Customer SOP 

PRESCRIBER 

(see Prescriber SOP) 

Contact prescriber 

or discuss with 

customer 

Pharmacist to make decision based 

on professional judgement 

Refer customer to prescriber 

Record any clinically significant 

interventions on Intervention & 

Referral Form and annotate 

CoMPaSS 

CUSTOMER 

Discuss query with 

customer 

Agreement 

reached with customer on 

appropriate action 


significant interventions on 

Intervention & Referral Form 

and annotate CoMPaSS 



No 

Not dispense 

Dispense 

Yes

Interventions and Problem Solving 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure that any interventions that are identified in the 

pharmaceutical assessment are dealt with promptly, professionally and appropriately. 

This SOP will: 

• Ensure customer safety 

• Maintain good working relationships with prescribers 

• Ensure that problems are dealt with in the most appropriate manner 

Scope 

This SOP covers clinical and legal interventions, and problem solving for all 2DRx NHS 

prescriptions. 





Review 












Handy Hints 

Consult the customer if a problem is identified, as they may be able to solve the problem. 

Do not cause undue anxiety when informing the customer that there may be a delay in 

dispensing the prescription. Give realistic time guidelines for the expected resolution of the 

problem. 

Make a note of contact details for the customer if necessary, e.g. if a product will take a few 

days to obtain. 


If the prescriber needs to be contacted this should be done under the supervision of the 

pharmacist. 

When contacting the prescriber, do not say, ‘Sorry to trouble you’. Never apologise for 

doing your job. 

Do not be confrontational when contacting prescribers about errors – we all make 

mistakes. 

Try to ensure that you have contact with prescribers other than when discussing 

interventions so as to avoid the ‘You’ve made another error’ trap. 

Make sure that you have all the information that you will need BEFORE contacting the 

prescriber, e.g. if a drug is inappropriate, ensure that you have details of suitable alternatives. 

All clinically significant interventions or referrals should be recorded on the Intervention / 

Referral form and the appropriate entry made on the customer’s CoMPaSS record. 

In some cases the prescriber will amend a prescription after a patient has left the GP 

practice. In this case when a barcode is scanned at the pharmacy the original message will be 

displayed along with the amended message. It is then the professional judgement of the 

pharmacist on duty to decide if the GP needs to be contacted. The prescription should 

then be endorsed with prescriber contacted (PC) or not contacted (PNC) as appropriate. 

Ensure that all patients that are taking unusual drugs or doses that have been previously 

verified by the prescriber have notes on the CoMPaSS to this effect. 

If an agreement cannot be reached with the prescriber/patient on appropriate action then it 

may be advisable to speak to your Cluster Lead Manager (CLM), NPA or the 

Superintendents Department for further advice/reassurance. 

Interventions provide a rich source of material for CPD. They can help you to identify gaps 

in your knowledge. 


Follow Owings 


No 

Picking 

With reference to 

prescription, 

select drug(s) 

from shelf/fama 

drawer 

Is there sufficient 

stock? 


Yes 

Place selected drug(s) in 

dispensing basket with 

prescription(s)

Process manually in 

CoMPaSS 

Yes 

No 

System 

automatically 

selects patient 

Follow Owings 

SOP if 

appropriate 

Labelling 

Scan 2D 

barcode on Rx 

Will barcode scan? 

Yes 

Are there any GP 

amendments? 

No 

Is there a direct 

patient match? 

Check paper Rx against electronic 

Rx of name, form, strength, quantity, 

and prescriber 

Check dosage instructions and 

amend into CoMPaSS format 

Review DUR and alert pharmacist as 

appropriate 

Select dispensed product on 

CoMPaSS 

Review prescription summary and 

order as appropriate 

Generate labels 

Endorse prescription (if accuracy check 

switched off) 


No 

Yes 

Select matching 

patient 

Refer to pharmacist 

(Professional 

Judgement) 

Does patient exist 

on patient list? 

Yes No 

Review ExRx screen as appropriate 

Create new patient

Obtain copy of 

P.I.L if not 

available 

Assembly 


Check expiry date 

is sufficient for 

treatment period 

Calculate/ measure/ 

count required 

quantity 

Transfer to 

appropriate 

container(s) with 

P.I.L 

Attach labels to 

products without 

covering product 

name 

Mark any split 

packs with X using 

permanent marker. 

Mark date of 

opening on liquid 

preparations 

Check prescription 

with item. Check 

prescription with 

label 

Initial ‘disp by’ box 

Accuracy check 




Detach customer copy 

when prescription is 

collected 

Place bag in storage 

location 

Locate storage 

location. Annotate 

location. Place 

prescription in A-Z file. 

Attach full owing slip 

to prescription 

Calling back 

Waiting 

Give to customer with 

any remaining items on 

prescription 

Confirm estimated 

date and time of 

availability 

Advise customer to 

collect owed 

medication within 2 

months or within 28 

days of the appropriate 

date on the 

prescription for CD’s 

Issue items dispensed 

Customer 

copy 

Owings (1) 

(IPSS) 

Insufficient stock to satisfy 

prescription 

If customer/representative is 

present - advise of incomplete 

nature and estimated time of 

availability or manufacturer 

difficulty 

Is there likely 

to be a clinically significant 

delay in dispensing the 

medication? 

Ensure sufficient stock is 

ordered 

Generate owing labels 

using CoMPaSS and fix 

to owings slips. If for a 

Controlled Drug mark 

owing slip with “CD” 

Obtain contact details 

for customer if 

appropriate 

Follow Intervention 


Branch copy 

Keep with original 

prescription 

Follow Owings Part 2 


No 

Yes


Owings for Schedule 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs (2) 

Owings Part 1 

Stock arrives to complete 

prescription. Update stock 

levels on CoMPaSS 

Owing medication dispensed 

with reference to original 

prescription (follow SOP) 

Owing uncollected after 21 

days NB expiry date for 

schedule 2, 3 & 4 CD scripts 

is 28 days 

Contact customer to remind 

about owing and / or deliver 

item (s) 

Patient 

or representative calls to 

collect Rx or Rx to be prepared 

for delivery 

No 

Is owing for full pack of 

medication. Full quantity owed 

eg Rx for 28: owe 28? 

Yes 

Owing annotated ‘N/C’ on 

CoMPaSS. Medication 

returned to stock following 

check of expiry date and 

batch no 

Return Rx to 

prescriber if no 

other items on Rx. 

Yes 

Follow Prescription 

transfer SOP 

Is 

prescription still 

in date? 

No 

Yes 

No 

Inform patient no 

longer valid and 

refer to prescriber 

Medication disposed of as ‘out 

of date’ and mark as “N/C” in 

CoMPaSS. If schedule 2 CD, 

mark as “unusable stock” and 

quarantine in CD cabinet 

awaiting destruction

Picking, Labelling and Assembly 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure the safe and efficient labelling and assembly of prescribed 

items. 


• Safe working systems 

• The barcoded prescription is checked against the paper WP10SS when producing 

labels 

• All prescribed items are correctly labelled 

• All items selected are those which are prescribed 

• The correct quantity is supplied 

• The relevant information is supplied 

• The products supplied have sufficient shelf-life, such that they remain in date during 

the prescribed period of use 

• The ‘Dispensed By’ box is marked by the person dispensing the medication to 

provide an audit trail 

Scope 

This SOP will include the picking, labelling and assembly of all prescriptions, except those for 

oxygen, extemporaneous preparation, special order or any monitored dosage system. 

This SOP will not cover the assembly of signed orders. 





Review 





in their absence, the Pharmacist or Pharmacy Manager (non-Pharmacist), Retail Sales Manger 

or Supervisor. In the absence of these members of staff, the Area Manager will be 

responsible for review. 








The picking process is where drugs are selected from the shelf or FAMA drawer. Picking 

should be the first step in the process to allow the correct claim at AMPP (Actual Medicinal 

Product Pack) level to be sent to the HSW. The prescription should be read when picking 

the prescribed items, not the labels. This should limit the perpetuation of any errors made 

during the labelling process. Under no circumstances should any items be assembled at this 

stage, it is against GPhC guidelines and may lead to dispensing errors. 

After selecting a prescription from the electronic prescription queue it is essential to check 

the correct patient has been selected. If the incorrect patient is selected their record will 

automatically be populated with the information received on the electronic prescription, for 

example date of birth and NHS number. If the patient does not exist on CoMPaSS a new 

record should be created. 

The customer’s name and address details should be double checked to ensure that the 

correct customer’s details are being accessed. If there has been a change in the patient’s 

address this should be checked with patient or their representative and if this is confirmed it 

is possible to override the electronic data. 

After selecting the correct patient if there are any amendments made by the GP they should 

be reviewed. It is important any changes to the prescription are brought to the attention of 

the pharmacist who will then use their professional judgement as to the best course of 

action. 

It is essential to compare the information on the paper prescription with the electronic 

form to ensure there are no differences. Any differences should be brought to the 

attention of the pharmacist. 

If there are any changes in the dose, strength or pharmaceutical form since the last 

dispensing these should be brought to the attention of the pharmacist undertaking the 

pharmaceutical assessment. 

Dosage instructions should be changed into CoMPaSS format because there are no standard 

coding arrangements for labelling by the GP practices. In addition, the GP’s instructions may 

not meet good practice RPS guidelines on labelling. 

If the labelling system warns of an interaction, this must be brought to the attention of the 

pharmacist undertaking the pharmaceutical assessment. 

The label must contain the relevant BNF warnings. Do not rely on the computer system to 

do this for you. 

If working alone a short ‘mental break’ should be taken between generating a label for the 

prescription and the assembly of the relevant prescribed items. 


Handy Hints 

Ensure a self check is carried out to check the correct patient CoMPaSS records have been 

selected and contain the same details as those on the prescription. 

If a product does not have a dm+d code then the item will have to be manually entered. 

The expiry date should be added where indicated. 

If bulk packs are split, these should be clearly marked with a cross and should stay with the 

dispensed item until the final accuracy check is completed. 

Bulk packs of liquid medication should have the date of opening marked on the container. 

Labels should be removed from the printer promptly. 

A 5ml spoon or oral dosing syringe should be provided where appropriate. 

Where possible, identify a specific area for dispensing where you are unlikely to be 

disturbed. 

Labels should, where possible, be placed on the clear area of calendar packs marked ‘Please 

affix dispensing label here’. 

In your particular pharmacy are labels placed on the box, or on the item for creams, drops, 

etc.? 

Are multiple packs labelled ‘1 of 3’, etc or are they packaged in one container? 

How are large quantities split? 100 tablets in one container or 28, 28, 28, 16? 

Do you cut calendar packs, or dispense quantities rounded to the nearest calendar pack? 

Be alert to similar packaging used by Generic manufacturers. These can be highlighted using 

Caution Stickers. 

Consider using Caution Stickers to highlight ‘high risk’ medicines e.g. Methotrexate, 

Warfarin, oral antidiabetic drugs. Perhaps consider a separate storage area for these drugs. 

If the prescribed medication is to be ordered consideration should be given to obtaining the 

customer’s telephone number to advise of successful delivery. 

The ‘Dispensed By’ box must be initialled by the person dispensing the medication. 

If you do not have a PIL with a pack of medication or have dispensed the PIL to another 

patient you can obtain further supplies through CoMPaSS, direct from the manufacturers or 

from www.medicines.org. Alternatively you can contact the Professional Standards Team in 

the Superintendent’s Dept on 02476 625454, option 1 to request a copy to be forwarded to 

your pharmacy. (Note: not all PILs are available via this route.) 


The electronic endorser must be used for all endorsing. When the prescription has been 

endorsed this should be checked to ensure that it reflects what has been dispensed. All 

prescription forms must be endorsed as dispensed. 

Should the electronic endorser fail, in the first instance refer to IT helpdesk. If a fix or 

replacement is not available the prescription should be endorsed by hand using the 

information as detailed in CoMPaSS. 

Ensure the number of tablets endorsed is the same as number dispensed. 

Ensure the pack size dispensed from is correctly endorsed. 

Ensure the correct brand dispensed is endorsed where applicable. 

The Pharmacist is legally responsible for endorsing. Incorrect endorsing could be subject to 

allegations of fraud and will result in re-submissions. 

If a pharmacist is self-checking an adequate mental break should be taken between assembly 

and accuracy checking. 

Pharmacists must use their professional judgement to assess if an out-of-stock prescription 

is clinically urgent and take all reasonable steps to source the owed item if not available 

from the wholesaler. Ensure the customer is kept informed of the progress of supplying the 

owed medication in order to maintain customer service levels. 

When an owing slip is handed to a customer on collection of their medication, they should 

be advised of the need to collect the owed items within 2 months. For Controlled Drugs 

this must be within 28 days from the appropriate date on the prescription (date of signing 

or start date specified by prescriber if different to date of signing). 

All owings for controlled drugs should be marked as CD on the owing slip. This will allow 

all members of staff to inform patients their prescription is only valid for 28 days from the 

appropriate date on the prescription and cannot be issued after this time. 

Once an owing for a schedule 2 and 3 Controlled Drug (except Phenobarbitone and 

Midazolam) has been dispensed, the owing slip must be annotated with “CD cabinet” and 

filed with the owing slip crossed out in the IPSS box or attached to the clear prescription 

bag depending on the storage solution used. A completed CD sticker must be attached to 

the prescription bag (including the collection date (within 28 days of the appropriate date on 

the prescription) and if it requires entry into the CD register). 

Owings for schedule 4 CDs or a schedule 3 CD exempt from safe custody requirements 

(Phenobarbitone or Midazolam) should be dispensed after receipt of delivery of the CD and 

follow the same storage requirements as all other medication. However the prescription 

must have a CD sticker placed on the prescription bag with the date highlighted when the 

owed CD must be collected by. 

Owing medication should only be stored in the pharmacy for a max of 2 months, after 

which time it should be dealt with as outlined in the flowchart. However certain owed items 

may need to be stored for longer than 2 months if the prescription was for a large volume 

or the medication is being used for a long period of treatment e.g. contraceptive pill, HRT. 


If an owing is returned to stock ensure the product is in date and remove the dispensing 

label from the item. It should have an expiry date and batch number identifiable. If not 

possible, ensure customer details are obliterated using a permanent marker and then place a 

blank label over the dispensing label. 

If it is out of date then it should be disposed of in the appropriate DOOP bin. 

If it is a partial owing for a schedule 2 CD where no expiry date or batch number is 

identifiable, the stock must be marked as unusable and quarantined in the CD cabinet 

awaiting destruction by an appropriate witness. – Further guidance can be found in the SOP 

on the Disposal of pharmacy stocks of Schedule 2 CDs. 

Clear your shelves of uncollected prescriptions as part of your end of month procedure. 

If a long period of time has elapsed since the dispensing of the owing then the pharmacist 

should decide if the supply is still appropriate or if the patient should be referred back to 

the GP. 

If there is a partial owing on a prescription then an issue/claim can be sent electronically for 

all items that have been dispensed in full or part. Once stock has arrived and the owing is 

made up then the remainder of the prescription is re-issued. You DO NOT need to wait 

for the customer to collect the remainder of the item sending the prescription to the HSW. 

If an owing is produced for the full quantity on a prescription eg 56 Atenolol 50mg tablets 

and owe 56 Atenolol 50mg tablets then only when the customer collects the whole item 

can the prescription be re-issued. The prescription should not be sent to the HSW until 

the customer has collected the whole item. 

If it is likely in the opinion of the pharmacist that the owed item cannot be obtained without 

a clinically significant delay then the prescriber must be contacted to discuss alternative 

arrangements. 

Amendments and cancellations 

The pharmacist must satisfy themselves that the prescription meets all the legal, ethical and 

clinical requirements. 

Using all the information the pharmacist must carry out a professional check. If there is any 

doubt as to what is intended the GP would need to be contacted. 

HSW can use the barcode for a percentage of prescriptions when pricing. However, where 

there are endorsements or significant changes by the dispenser, these will be processed 

manually, as before in accordance with Health Solutions Wales (HSW) advice to contractors 

about new sorting requirements. 


Accuracy Check (1) 

If the prescription has been assembled by the pharmacist ensure a mental break is taken before 

the Accuracy Check is carried out 

Check The Product Check Label 

Read strength of item on 

prescription and check 

against item 

Read the prescription 

and check it matches 

name on bulk pack or 

patient pack 

Check that multiple 

packs are the same 

medication and same 

strength 

Check expiry dates on all 

packs 

Check drug form on 

prescription against that 

dispensed e.g. ointment 

Check quantity on 


dispensed 

Bulk packs - visually 

check contents of 

dispensed container 

match contents of bulk 

pack 

Check that pack contains 

relevant P.I.L. 

Read through 

prescription 

Check prescription 

against label for 

- customer name 

- medication name 

- strength 

- quantity 

- dosage form 

Check that prescription 

matches dose / 

instructions on the label 

Ensure “dispensed by” 

box marked 

Mark ‘checked by’ box 

on dispensing label 

Ensure correct 

endorsement / coding on 

prescription form. Check 

that back of form is 

completed correctly 

(including correct 

number of charges) 


Yes 

Further 

items on 

script? 

No 

Endorse 

presription 

Accuracy Check (2) 

Scanning Process (if switched on) 

Does the EAN of 

the picked product match any 

of the EAN’s of the 

dispensed 

products? 

Yes 

Scan barcode on 

prescription or select 

from suspended queue 

Scan barcode of 

picked product 

Is barcode 

Yes No 

recognised? 

No 

Is there a barcode 

on the picked product? 

Yes 

Error message 

and error beep 

Check drug form on 


dispensed e.g. ointment 

Barcode not 

recognised 

message and 

beep 

Has correct 

product been 

picked? 

Amend item 

and re-scan 

Use manual 

selection 

function to 

select item 

dispensed 


No 

No 

Yes 

Further 

items on 

script? 

No 

Endorse 

presription 

Yes

Accuracy Check 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure that dispensed prescriptions have been labelled and 

assembled accurately before being transferred to the customer. 


• Provide quality assurance in the dispensing process 

• Ensure that any labelling errors are identified 

• Ensure that any errors in product selection are identified 

• Ensure that the correct quantity has been dispensed 

• Ensure that the products supplied are not out of date 

• Ensure the ‘Checked By’ box is initialled to provide an audit trail 

Scope 

This SOP will cover all 2DRx NHS prescriptions. 





Review 












Handy Hints 

All prescription forms should be endorsed, however this endorsement should also be 

checked as part of the Accuracy Check procedure. 


EAN is an abbreviation for European Article number now International Article number 

although the abbreviation has been retained. This is a standardised number used to identify a 

product and stored in a barcode. 


Bagging Up 

Place items in bag, 

counting number of items 

and confirming count with 

items on prescription 

All prescriptions must be 

stamped at bagging stage 

Attach completed 

prescription to bag 

Mark bags if more than 

one. 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc 

Attach sticker if 

appropriate, e.g. fridge, 

pharmacist, CD 

Return bulk and split 

packs to appropriate 

places on shelves / Fama 

drawers 


Bagging Up (IPSS) 

Place items in bag, counting 

number of items and confirming 

count with items on 

prescription 

All prescriptions must be 

stamped at bagging stage 

Mark bags if more than one. 

1 of 2, 2 of 2 etc 

Attach sticker if appropriate, 

e.g. fridge, pharmacist, CD. Also 

add note to script if 

appropriate. 

Locate suitable storage location 

Annotate location on 

prescription 

File prescription in A-Z file 

Place bag in storage location 

Return bulk and split packs to 

appropriate places on shelves / 

Fama drawers 


Bagging Up 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure that dispensed prescriptions are bagged up accurately before 

being transferred to the customer. 


• Ensure the correct products are placed in the prescription bag 

• The completed prescription bag is stored in the correct location 

• Any split packs, bulk packs of medication remaining after the dispensing process are 

returned to the appropriate area 

Scope 

This SOP will cover all NHS and private prescriptions that are dispensed but not 

prescriptions that are to be dispensed for monitored dosage systems such as MDS or CDS. 





Review 













Care must be taken when bagging up medication to ensure only the products associated 

with the relevant prescription are placed in the bag. Any split/bulk packs remaining must be 

clearly segregated. 

A separate bag must be used for each individual patient 



significant advice or 

referral made on 




Refer to pharmacist if 

appropriate 

Accept appropriate number of 

charges if applicable. Enter 

amount on back of prescription 

Advise customer to collect owed 

medication within 2 months or within 28 

days of the appropriate date on the 



appropriate 

Yes 

Is further 

advice 

to customer 

required? 

No 

Prescription Transfer 

No 

To pay? 

No 

Completed prescription 

Is customer / 

representative 

over 16? 

Confirm address with customer / 

representative and cross check 

against bag label & prescription 


Yes 

Confirm customer’s name 

Yes 

Is 

there an 

owing on the 

Rx? 

No 

Respond to note / label on bag if 

appropriate, e.g. fridge 

Ask 

if customer has 

had medication 

before? 

Yes 

Remove prescription from bag and 

check prescription is completed 

(including appropriate signature for 

schedule 2 or 3 CD collection). 

Transfer to customer or representative 

Ensure appropriate register entry is 

made (i.e. CD register) 

Ensure any 

prescriptions for 

schedule 2,3 and 4 

CD(s) are still 

valid – within 28 

day expiry


appropriate 

Advise customer to collect owed 

medication within 2 months or within 

28 days of the appropriate date on the 



significant advice or 

referral made on 





appropriate 

Yes 

Is 

further advice 

to customer 

required ? 

No 

Prescription Transfer (IPSS) 

No 

Yes 

No 

Completed Prescription 

Confirm customer’s name 

Is customer / 

representative over 16? 

Ask customer / representative for 

address and cross check against 

bag label & prescription 


Yes 

Retrieve prescription from A-Z 

file and locate bagged medication 

Is 

there an owing on 

the Rx? 

No 

Respond to note / label on bag or 

prescription if appropriate, e.g. 

fridge, CD 

Ask if customer 

has had medication 

before? 

Yes 

Check prescription is completed 

(including appropriate signature for 

schedule 2 or 3 CD collection). 

Transfer to customer or 

representative 

Ensure appropriate register entry is 

made (i.e. CD register) 

Ensure any 

prescriptions for 

schedule 2,3 and 4 

CD(s) are still 

valid – within 28 

day expiry

Prescription Transfer 

Objectives 

This SOP is designed to ensure that when handing out dispensed items the customers 

receive the dispensed products intended for their use with sufficient information to enable 

effective use. 


• Dispensed items are handed out promptly 

• Dispensed items are given to the person for whom they are intended 

• Appropriate information is given to enable the customer to use the product 

effectively 

• The name and address of the person collecting the medication is captured 

• Prescriptions are issued or placed in dedicated area for issue 

Scope 

This SOP will include the transfer of dispensed prescription items to the customer or their 

representative. 

This SOP will not cover the delivery of medicines to a patient’s home, a nursing home or 

the delivery of oxygen. 





Review 














Ensure the customer or representative is asked to confirm their surname and address. 

Customers with the same name may live in the same street. 

Ensure that if the customer or representative handed in more that one form, that all the 

medication is included. 

Ensure that prescriptions dispensed into more than one bag are collected together. 

Prescriptions can only be handed out if the pharmacist is present, even if complete, bagged 

and awaiting collection. 

Handy Hints 

The care, well-being and safety of patients must be at the centre of everyday professional 

practice. The pharmacist on duty must encourage the effective use of medicines and be 

satisfied that patients, or those who care for them, know how to use their medicines. Please 

refer to principle 1 of the Standards of conduct, ethics and performance, Make the care of 

patients your first concern. 

As a result of these guidelines, the pharmacist will often decide to give out prescriptions 

personally. These particular prescriptions need to be identified by use of the ‘Pharmacist’ 

sticker. 

When counselling a patient or representative with regard to a particular medication, 

remember to maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Consultation areas are available in 

most Lloyds pharmacies, alternatively consider using a quiet area away from the main till 

area. 

It would be helpful to explain any complicated or unusual dosage regimes, e.g. weekly 

dosing. 

Customers who require elastic hosiery fitting should be referred to the pharmacist. 

Where appropriate, demonstration of the use of inhalers or other devices should be carried 

out by the pharmacist or other specified, suitably trained member of the dispensary team. 

When giving out a prescription including insulin ensure the insulin is checked with the 

patient before leaving the pharmacy. 

It may be helpful if the customer, or their representative, repeat what you have said in 

order to check their understanding of your counselling. 

It may be inappropriate to counsel customers who have previously had this medication 

dispensed. 

All clinically significant interventions or referrals should be recorded on the Intervention / 

Referral form and the appropriate entry made on the customer’s CoMPaSS record. 



Process manually in 

CoMPaSS 

2DRx – Repeat Dispensing Batch Scanning 

Yes 

No 

System 

automatically 

selects patient 

Follow Owings 

SOP if 

appropriate 

At the ‘Manual Prescription’ 

Screen scan the 2DRx barcode on 

the RA form 

Will barcode scan? 


Yes 

Are there any GP 

amendments? 

No 

Is there a direct 

patient match? 

Yes 

No 

Select matching 

patient 

Return to GP for 

new RA and RD’s 

Does patient exist 

on patient list? 

Yes No 

Check paper Rx against electronic 

Rx of name, form, strength, quantity, 

and prescriber 

Check dosage instructions and 

amend into CoMPaSS format 

The Master Form must have 

been saved before any batch 

prescriptions (RD) are scanned 

Review DUR and alert pharmacist as 

appropriate 

Select dispensed product on 

CoMPaSS 

Review prescription summary and 

order as appropriate 

Generate labels 

Endorse prescription (if accuracy check 

switched off) 

Create new patient

2DRx Repeat Dispensing SOP 

Objectives 

Repeat Dispensing is included in the 2DRx regulations of the pharmacy contract for Wales 

as an Essential Service, and all pharmacies may be asked to deliver this service. 

This SOP is designed to ensure that all Repeat Dispensing prescriptions are dealt with in a 

prompt, efficient and professional manner and that a consistent standard is applied across all 

pharmacies. The service is designed to make it easier for patients with chronic conditions to 

obtain repeat prescriptions, help speed up service and reduce pressure on GP practices for 

repeat prescriptions. 


• The efficient handling of Repeat Dispensing prescriptions 

• An accurate record is maintained for each Repeat Dispensing prescription 

• The appropriate items are dispensed in a timely and efficient manner 

• Customers receive the best possible service and information 

• Patients gain maximum benefit from their medication and reduce wastage of 

medicines 

Scope 

This SOP will allow you to understand the Repeat Dispensing process and what is required 

of the Company, the Pharmacy and yourself. Guidance will be given on the management of 

the prescriptions and CoMPaSS functionality associated with the process. This SOP is 

intended to supplement the training provided in the Repeat Dispensing packages provided 

by CPPE or WCPPE, which you should complete before commencing any Repeat Dispensing 

arrangements. 


Members of staff responsible for this process are listed in the appendix. Only those 

members of staff listed are to be considered competent to carry out this procedure. No 

other member of staff should be asked to carry out ant of this process. 

Review 

The SOP will be reviewed initially annually. 

The SOP will be reviewed when there are any changes to legislation affecting the process, 

or in the event of any change of staff, or any increase or decrease in the competence level 

of the staff. The SOP should be reviewed following a critical incident. 






approved by the Superintendent’s Office. For any changes to the SOP an application must be 

submitted, in writing, explaining the changes deemed necessary and the reasoning behind 

these changes. The application should be sent by external post to the Superintendent’s 

Office at Sapphire Court. 


What Does Repeat Dispensing Mean to Me? 

Once a repeatable prescription has been issued, customers taking part must obtain the 

entire period of treatment included on their prescriptions from the same pharmacy. It is 

essential that your pharmacy is fully prepared and able to provide a professional repeat 

dispensing service from the outset. 

Up to 80% of the prescriptions dispensed within Lloydspharmacy are repeats. By ensuring 

your repeat dispensing service is at a high and consistent level you will effectively guarantee 

this business for up to the next twelve months. Conversely if you are not ready when 

repeatable prescriptions are issued you may potentially lose many of your existing 

customers to your competitors. If your competitors offer an adequate service over the next 

year it will be extremely difficult to win back this lost custom. 

The use of repeat dispensing by customers is voluntary and with agreement with their 

prescriber, customers can choose to use their existing method of obtaining repeat 

prescriptions or repeat dispensing. Due to the exchange of information about medication 

between the prescriber and the pharmacy, the customer must give consent before 

participating in this service. This safeguards the customer’s information and complies with 

current guidelines on data protection. The customer’s agreement is recorded on the 

appropriate form produced by the Department of Health, with one copy stored at the 

surgery and one copy given to the customer. 

Repeat dispensing is a fantastic opportunity and participation in the scheme will help you 

achieve items budget and grow your market share. 

Before providing the Repeat Dispensing service the pharmacist on duty must have 

completed the relevant training e.g. the WCPPE pack - Repeat Dispensing. 


Accepting a Repeatable Prescription 

The member of staff accepting the repeatable prescription from a customer presenting for 

the first time should ensure that the customer fully understands the scheme and that they 

are provided with the appropriate NHS and Lloydspharmacy information leaflets. Repeatable 

prescriptions are marked RA and sometimes referred to as the Repeat Authority or Master 

Prescription. Batch issues are marked RD. 

When a repeatable prescription is accepted the details should be checked thoroughly to 

ensure that there are no omissions or errors, which would prevent the dispensing of all 

batch prescriptions. 

The repeatable prescription will be retained in the pharmacy and the customer or their 

representative will be required to sign each batch issue as and when it is dispensed. 

• Repeatable prescriptions must be computer generated. Any handwritten 

amendments to either the RA or RD forms, including any additional medication 

added will invalidate the prescription. 

• The repeatable prescription will detail the specific number of issues the prescriber 

wishes to have dispensed and, if appropriate, the dispensing interval, as well as the 

normal information relating to the customer’s name and address, date of birth, etc. 

• All medicines may be prescribed under the Repeat Dispensing arrangements except 

Schedule 1, 2 & 3 Controlled Drugs. Temazepam and Phenobarbitone cannot be 

prescribed. 

• Schedule 4 Controlled Drugs may be prescribed, however the first dispensing must 

be within 28 days of the appropriate date. 

• The prescriber must have signed the repeatable prescription (RA). The batch issues 

do not be need to be signed but are still legal valid if they are signed. 

• Ensure that the customer has signed a Repeat Prescription Collection Service 

registration form as this will enable us to also collect additional items as required on 

their behalf. 

• Although contractually only 4 items are allowed to be prescribed on a single RD 

form it has been confirmed that RD forms containing more than 4 items will be 

reimbursed. 

• The RA must be stamped when the first RD is supplied 


What does a Repeatable Prescription look like? 

INSERT 2D BARCODED RA FORM 


Processing a Repeatable Prescription and Batch Issues 

The usual professional checks for interactions, appropriateness of treatment and 

legality of prescription will still need to be made. 

Any additional interventions, which are deemed to clinically significant, must be recorded on 

the Intervention and Referral form. 

• A repeatable prescription must be initially dispensed within 6 months of the date of 

issue or 28 days for schedule 4 controlled drugs. The repeatable prescription and 

associated batch issues are valid for 12 months, unless an earlier expiry date is 

specified by the prescriber. 

• The RD forms will be numbered but do not have to be dispensed in order. However 

it is a requirement of NHS Wales that they can only be scanned through the 

computer system in order. 

• More than one RD should not be routinely dispensed at any one time. However you 

may use your professional judgement to dispense more than one RD at a time, for 

example if the patient is going on holiday. It would be best practice to notify the 

prescriber if before you decide to dispense more than 1 RD at a time. 

• If a customer has more than one repeatable prescription held at the pharmacy, every 

effort should be made to keep the repeatable prescriptions filed together. This will 

reduce the risk of a customer leaving without all the required medications and to 

ensure that the issuing Pharmacist understands the full dispensing requirements of 

the customer. 

• The items on one RA form can be on more than one RD form. The pharmacist must 

be satisfied that the RD forms relate to the RA form. 

• It is the customer’s choice whether they leave the batch issues with the pharmacy or 

retain them, although it would be preferable to retain the batch issues within the 

pharmacy. The repeatable prescription must always be retained by the pharmacy, 

until sent to Health Solutions Wales (HSW) at completion of all batch issues or date 

expired. The Customer Dispensing Record Cards must be marked, in the 

appropriate place, to show whether the batch issues are in the Pharmacy or with the 

customer. This can also be recorded on CoMPaSS. 

• An A5 Customer Record Card should be produced and attached to the repeatable 

prescription. The smaller A6 Customer Record Card should also be completed, to 

be presented to the customer along with their medication. (see pages 53 & 54) 

• The initial batch issue should then be dispensed following the company’s dispensing 

and checking procedures as detailed in the Dispensing Standard Operating 

Procedures. The medication should then be dispensed and handed to the customer 

in the usual manner (as detailed in the Dispensing SOPs) along with the customer 

copy of the Customer Record Card. 

• The usual professional checks for interactions, appropriateness of treatment and 

legality of prescription will still need to be made. 

• All relevant information for this dispensing of a batch issue should be updated on 

both the pharmacy’s and customer’s copies of the Customer Record Card. It is 

important that any amendments to the batch prescription, e.g. item not issued or 

change to expected interval, is recorded in the comment section of the pharmacy 

copy of the card. 

• The batch issue form, once dispensed, should be endorsed and forwarded to HSW 

at the end of the month in which it was dispensed along with the normal 

prescriptions. The repeatable prescription will be sent to HSW once all batch issues 


have been dispensed, or if the customer fails to collect all instalments, on expiry. 

Ensure that any paperwork submitted to HSW is fully completed for Repeat 

Dispensing and the Monthly Return Sheet (MRS) is also annotated appropriately. 

• The A5 Customer Record Card, repeatable prescription and remaining batch issues, 

if retained, should then be filed in the designated filing box in alphabetical order. It is 

important that whenever possible the A5 Customer Record Card, repeatable 

prescription and remaining batch issues are kept within the filing box and that access 

to this filing box is limited to those directly involved within the dispensing process. 

• Out of date batch issues or batch issues which are no longer required should either 

be returned to the prescribing GP or destroyed using the confidential waste bin. 

This should be clearly documented on the A5 customer record card. 

Dispensing a Batch Issue 

What does a Batch issue look like? 

INSERT 2D BARCODED RD FORM 

The customer will present their Customer Record Card and the appropriate batch issue, if 

held by themselves; one for each repeatable prescription held by the pharmacy. If the 

customer has misplaced their card, a new card should be issued and brought up to date 

from the information held at the pharmacy. This card should be marked ‘re-issued’ next to 

the customer’s details and also recorded on the pharmacy record card. 

• The appropriate repeatable prescription and batch issues if retained by the pharmacy 

should be retrieved from the storage file. 

• The batch issue should then be dispensed and handed to the patient in the normal 

manner (following the Dispensing SOPs). 

• The batch issue must not be issued without the Pharmacist on duty checking the 

appropriate repeatable prescription. 

• The pharmacist must ensure the patient is taking or using, and likely to continue to 

take or use, the medicines or appliances appropriately. 

• The pharmacist must ensure the patient is not suffering any side effects which may 

suggest they need a review of their medication. 

• The pharmacist must check the medication regimen has not been altered since the 

prescriber authorised the repeatable medication and if there have been changes in 

the patient’s health since that time, which may indicate a review by the prescriber is 

needed. 

• The A6 Customer Record Card should be updated and returned to the customer. 

• The A5 Customer Record Card should be updated and returned with the repeatable 

prescription and any remaining batch issues (if retained) to the designated filing box 

in alphabetical order. 

• The batch issue, once dispensed, should be endorsed and forwarded to HSW at the 

end of the month in which it was dispensed. 

• If there are no batch issues remaining the repeatable prescription should be sent to 

HSW at the end of the month. 

• The appropriate entry should also be made on the MRS 


• If a customer’s prescription were to be altered (e.g. dose alteration) during the 

period of a repeatable prescription the prescriber should issue a replacement 

repeatable prescription with the appropriate number of batch issues. 

• If the prescriber wishes to discontinue an existing treatment from an ongoing 

repeatable set of batch prescriptions, the pharmacist can still dispense any other 

medications required on these batches provided they mark the discontinued item as 

not dispensed and score a line through the item. 

• An item that requires regular monitoring e.g. Methotrexate can legally be prescribed 

on repeat dispensing prescriptions. Clinically the pharmacist would have to be sure 

that the patient is on a stable dose and appropriate monitoring arrangements are in 

place. 

• It is a legal requirement to comply with the dispensing intervals specified by the 

prescriber. This should be discussed with the patient and if there are concerns with 

the dispensing interval specified this should be discussed with the prescriber. The 

prescriber is not legally required to specify a dispensing interval. 


Practical Issues 

• It is the responsibility of all employees involved with the dispensing process to 

ensure that the correct procedures are followed and that the customer receives a 

seamless and high quality dispensing service. 

• The filing box should be checked on a monthly basis and any repeatable prescriptions 

where the expiry date has been reached prior to the entire batch issues being 

dispensed should be forwarded to HSW, at the end of the month. The pharmacy 

copy of the Customer Record Card should be crossed through and the date that the 

repeatable prescription was sent to HSW and number of batch issues remaining 

detailed in the comments column. 

• There may be some variations to the prescription filing requirements as detailed on 

the end of month form required by HSW. It is important to ensure that any new 

procedures regarding repeat dispensing prescriptions are understood and followed. 

• Due to Clinical Governance requirements, any local variations must be agreed with 

and kept on record by the Pharmacy Superintendent’s Office. To do this, contact 

your Area Manager or Cluster Lead Manager. 

• All completed Customer Record Cards should be retained for six months after 

completion. At the end of this six month period, the record card should be disposed 

of following the current company policy for dealing with confidential waste ~ under 

NO circumstances should any card carrying customer details be disposed of in 

normal pharmacy waste. 

• Items dispensed within the repeat dispensing scheme should be included within your 

Prescription Collection Service (PCS) figures when reported on the MRS. 

• The Pharmacist Manager should work closely with the prescriber to communicate 

changes to the customer’s medication, monitor the customer’s use of their 

medication and highlight any patient safety issues. 

• Dispensers and Healthcare Assistants, as well as Pre-Registration students, must be 

properly trained to operate the system and give full support to the Pharmacist. 

• Locum pharmacists should be made aware of the Repeat Dispensing system in 

operation and directed to the relevant SOP. 

• The repeatable prescription will detail the specific number of issues the prescriber 

wishes to issue from the prescription and, if appropriate, the dispensing interval, i.e. 

weekly, monthly, quarterly, as well as the normal information relating to patient’s 

name and address, date of birth, etc. 

• The batch issues will not be signed by the prescriber, but will be used for 

reimbursement purposes. The prescriber is only required sign the repeatable 

prescription. 

• The pharmacist will issue the number of batch issues as required for each repeatable 

prescription. 

• The CoMPaSS system differentiates between the repeat WP10SS forms and other 

types of WP10SS forms and will indicate on the form when repeat dispensing is 

required as well as linking the designated number of batch issues. 

• The repeatable prescription (RA) must remain in the pharmacy. 

• The pharmacist will not make any changes to the prescription, dose, strength, 

formulation, etc., but will refer back to the prescriber. Any interventions or referrals 

which are deemed to be clinically significant should be recorded on the Intervention 

and Referral Form. 


• The pharmacy / dispensary staff will process batch issues and forward the forms to 

HSW at the end of the month dispensed. The repeatable prescription will be sent to 

HSW once all batch issues have been dispensed, or if the customer fails to collect all 

instalments, on expiry. 

• Remuneration has been negotiated through the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating 

Committee (PSNC) and Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW). Repeat dispensing is 

part of the Essential Services to be delivered from the new Pharmacy Contract. 

• Pharmacists will need to keep records of the scheme, for example information 

relating to items not dispensed. These should be made in the comments section of 

the Customer Record Card retained in the pharmacy. 

• The pharmacist may need to communicate with the Local Health Board (LHB) on 

various issues and continued good working relationships with the prescribers will be 

essential. This can be achieved through the Surgery Partnership visits. 

• All staff involved in the scheme must understand the need to report to their Area 

Manager any issues with the potential to affect the success of the scheme. 

• It is a legal requirement to comply with the dispensing intervals specified by the 

prescriber. This should be discussed with the patient and if there are concerns with 

the dispensing interval specified this should be discussed with the prescriber. The 

prescriber is not legally required to specify a dispensing interval. 

• If the patient presents to collect a repeat dispensing prescription either early or late 

according to the dispensing interval the pharmacist should consider making an 

emergency supply. Please refer to principle 1 of the Standards of conduct, ethics and 

performance, Make the care of patients your first concern.This could include discussion 

with the prescriber to obtain a prescription for this supply. 

• Where a dispensing interval is not specified the pharmacist should use their 

professional judgement when deciding the appropriate interval for dispensing. 


A6 Customer Record Card (pipcode 607-4223) 

The Customer Record Cards have been provided not only to help manage the NHS Repeat 

Dispensing service, but also to add a more professional image to the service. When a 

customer is handed their record card it will reinforce their perceptions that they are dealing 

with a healthcare professional. The cards will also help customers to retain a feeling of 

control over batch issues if they choose to leave them with the pharmacy. 

To help our customers to keep track of their repeat medication, an A6 sized Customer 

Record Card has been developed. This will provide customers with a quick guide to when 

their medication was dispensed and how many batch issues they have that will need to be 

dispensed. 

To complete the card: 

• Attach a copy of the customer’s bag label to their Record Card 

• Fill in the information requested on the first page, ensuring that you state whether 

the batch issues are being retained in the pharmacy 

• When medication is dispensed, make a note of the date and the number of items 

dispensed 

• The back cover of the card can be used to record any PRN medication on the 

customer’s batch issues 

Both the A6 & A5 Customer Record Cards are packed together in outers of 50 of each 

card. Additional stock can be ordered from Centurion Warehouse using the pipcode 607- 

4223. 


A5 Customer Record Card for Pharmacy Files (pipcode 607-4223) 

When a customer hands you their repeatable prescription and batch issue forms, you need 

to file them in store. To help you to do this you should use the A5 Customer Record Card. 

To complete the card you need to follow these steps: 

• Attach bag sticker to the card to identify the customer. 

• Space has been provided for you to record the date of first dispensing, the number 

of batch issues and the expiry date of the repeatable prescription. 

• It is of particular importance that you record whether or not the batch issues are 

retained in the pharmacy as this is crucial to the accurate filing of the customer’s 

information. 

• Use the tables provided to keep a record of the batch issue items dispensed. Space 

has been provided for you to record any PRN (when required) items on the 

customer’s batch issues. 

• Use the back of the card to make any notes that you feel are appropriate to the 

customer’s dispensing record. 

Both the A6 & A5 Customer Record Cards are packed together in outers of 50 of each 

card. Additional stock can be ordered from Centurion Warehouse using the pipcode 607- 

4223. 


Customer Service - Ordering of Batch Issues 

Customers who choose to have their batch issues retained in the pharmacy will be able to 

phone the pharmacy in advance and ask for their repeat prescription to be dispensed. 

The customer benefits this delivers are two fold: 

1. Added convenience - if they phone in advance they will not have to wait for their 

prescription to be made up. 

2. It allows contact with the pharmacy, so that the pharmacy employees can easily 

understand and discuss the customer’s requirements. 

It also has a number of benefits for Lloydspharmacy: 

• It provides us with a chance to provide excellent customer service and it can allow 

us to improve our efficiency. 

• It helps you to plan your dispensing activity in advance. 

• It reduces owings by helping to ensure that you have the appropriate stock in place. 

• It helps you manage your workload 

When the last batch issue is dispensed the customer should be informed that a new 

repeatable prescription and batch issues will be required for further supplies. 


Support Materials 

From Centurion Park warehouse: 

Product Description Pipcode 

Customer Information 

Leaflets 

Repeat Dispensing Leaflet 610-0069 

Customer Record Cards 

Repeat Dispensing Patient 607-4223 

Pharmacy A5 & Customer A6 

Copies 

Record Cards 

Repeat Dispensing Secure 

Repeat Dispensing Filing 618-4352 

Filing Cabinet 

Cabinet 

Repeat Dispensing A-Z Filing Repeat Dispensing A-Z 

601-6869 

Cabinet Index Cards 

Index Cards 


Dispensing 2DRX Repeat Dispensing Prescriptions in CoMPaSS 

Flow Charts 

On scanning the RA (Repeat Authorising) form the CoMPaSS system will pre-populate the 

master prescription with the details in the 2D barcode including 

• Number of repeats (RD/Batch issues) 

• Prescription Date 

• For each item 

o name 

o form 

o strength 

o quantity 

o directions 

• Dispensing Interval 

Dispensing the Batch Issue 

• The RD forms can only be scanned if the appropriate master prescription has 

already been scanned and saved. 

• The RD forms have to be scanned in order otherwise a warning message will be 

displayed. 

• If a prescriber has specified a prescribing interval, a batch issue should not be 

dispensed until the due date. 


2DRx Procedures 

Employee 

Declaration 

Prescription Reception* 

Pharmaceutical Assessment* 

Intervention & Problem Solving* 

Picking, Labelling & Assembley* 

Accuracy Check* 

Bagging Up* 

Prescription Transfer* 

Repeat Dispensing* 

Employee Name & Number Employee Name & Number Employee Name & Number Employee Name & Number Employee Name & Number Employee Name & Number 

* Please ensure that for each procedure the appropriate members pharmacy team date and sign to say they have read, understood and agree to follow the process.

2DRx SOP - LloydsPharmacy

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