5. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the digital prescribing and dispensing pathways programme. (S6O-02192)

I am sorry that I did not respond immediately, Presiding Officer; I did not hear the question.

The Presiding Officer:

I ask Ms Mackay to repeat question 5.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the digital prescribing and dispensing pathways programme.

I offer my sincere apologies, Presiding Officer.

The digital prescribing and dispensing pathways programme is on track to replace the current paper prescription system in Scotland, with a view to establishing a digital approach by the end of this parliamentary session.

The early focus is on in-hours fixed general practice prescribing and community pharmacy dispensing across Scotland. Initial user engagement is complete, and planning is under way for the design of an initial prototype approach. I expect to be able to provide more detail later this year, subject to on-going work on the business case.

I thank the minister for that answer.

Last week, I met a group of local general practitioners who told me about technical problems that they are having in using the electronic system, which have resulted in patients waiting for paper prescriptions that GPs need to print and sign. They also asked about potential expansion of the programme to secondary care patients, who need to wait for paper prescriptions from hospital doctors. Can the minister confirm whether the programme will be progressed in order to alleviate the burden on general practices and hospitals?

I heard that question; I thank Rona Mackay for her supplementary.

Digital prescribing is a strategic priority and the DPDP programme will focus on primary care and GPs. It will improve the user and patient experience while reducing use of paper prescriptions. We expect to commence implementation for in-practice GP prescribing and dispensing from 2024-25.

With regard to secondary care, hospital electronic prescribing and medicines administration is being rolled out across Scotland and has already been implemented in 13 NHS boards.