Scan to shelf
Published on: 12th November 2025 | Updated on: 4th December 2025
Community pharmacy teams can now use barcode technology to scan prescriptions as they’re placed on the shelf. This digital process — known as scan to shelf — helps teams manage prescriptions more efficiently and keeps patients better informed.
When used with NHS App integration, patients can receive NHS App updates showing when their medicines are ready to collect. Some pharmacy owners will also issue notifications via other routes on patient request – such as SMS messaging, or notifications through pharmacy apps.
What is scan to shelf?
Scan to shelf allows pharmacy teams to scan prescriptions during dispensing and shelving. This updates the pharmacy’s system and, where supported, the NHS App — so patients can see when their medicines are ready.
Benefits for patients and pharmacy teams
- Fewer errors: Scanning helps ensure prescriptions are stored correctly.
- Better tracking: Every scan is logged, making it easier to trace prescriptions.
- Fewer lost items: Digital tracking helps prevent misplaced medicines.
- Improved communication: Patients get real-time updates, reducing phone calls.
- Time savings: Fewer “is my prescription ready?” queries free up staff time.
- Greater transparency: Patients appreciate knowing when to collect their medicines.
Case study: Leeds pharmacy
David Broome, a pharmacist in Leeds, shared:
“Introducing scan to shelf has been a real step forward. Patients now get clearer, more timely updates — including through the NHS App. This reduces queries and frees up time for care. Patients really appreciate the transparency and convenience.”
His team dispenses thousands of prescriptions each month using scan to shelf. They started small, gathered feedback, and worked with their EPS IT supplier to improve the system.
They also:
- Reviewed equipment and devices
- Refined operating procedures
- Used mobile devices and barcode-labelled baskets
- Managed prescription queues actively
- Used NHSmail instead of faxes
- Enabled Real Time Exemption Checking (RTEC)
Tips for getting started
- Check your EPS IT system: Confirm whether your EPS IT supplier supports scan to shelf.
- Get the right equipment: Use compatible barcode scanners and shelf labels.
- Start small: Pilot with a few shelves or prescription types.
- Train your team: Make sure everyone understands the process and benefits.
- Promote to patients: Let them know how NHS App updates can help.
- Monitor and adjust: Gather feedback and refine your approach.
How scan-to-shelf support NHS App medicine readiness notifications
The National Patient Prescription Tracking Service (NPPTS) lets patients track prescriptions online via the NHS App or their NHS account (by logging in on the NHS website).
NPPTS is a feature of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS). . It uses data from Spine and pharmacy IT systems to show prescription status in the NHS App.
It builds on the increased amount of EPS information made available in the NHS App last year.
Medicine readiness notifications in NHS App are being piloted by pharmacies that have an EPS system which integrates with NHS App
Read more: NPPTS
Share your experience
Community Pharmacy England and the Community Pharmacy IT Group (CP ITG) want to hear from pharmacies exploring scan to shelf.
If you’d like to share feedback or take part in piloting, contact da@cpe.org.uk.
For more information on this topic please email it@cpe.org.uk
