A service enabling independent pharmacies to attract and retain repeat prescription business has been launched by Numark.

The Repeat My Medicines service was the first in a series of measures designed to protect pharmacies ahead of release two of the electronic prescription service (EPS), Numark said.

The service allows pharmacists to keep patients’ repeat slips and order their prescriptions from GPs manually or electronically so they can then dispense medications in advance.

Numark's director of professional and training services Mimi Lau said:  "Clearly there is an impetus for protecting repeat prescription business with the imminent 'nomination' stage of EPS release two and heavy marketing activity by the multiples."

She urged independents to be proactive, suggesting tactics such as using display posters to advertise repeat prescription services, engaging with local GPs to make them aware of the services and training staff to help sign up patients.

Numark members would receive, free of charge, a poster and corresponding SOP, with patient leaflets and sign up forms available to order online via Numarknet, the group said.