This page describes the full end-to-end workflow for issuing a legally valid private prescription using the AES system.
Clinician creates prescription
│
├─ 1. Drug search (SNOMED CT / dm+d autocomplete)
├─ 2. Enter mandatory fields: strength, form, quantity, dosage
├─ 3. Select dispensing pharmacy (from AES Portal list)
├─ 4. Submit → prescription saved
│
├─ 5. AES Signing (automatic if "Issue Immediately")
│ ├─ AES Portal signs the prescription PDF
│ ├─ Result stored with the prescription
│ ├─ GP notification log entry created
│ └─ Pharmacy notification email sent
│
└─ 6. Prescription available for dispensing
Search for the medication using SNOMED CT codes via the autocomplete field. This ensures standardised prescribing and supports clinical audit exports.
The prescription form captures all legally required fields:
| Field | Legal Requirement |
|---|---|
| Prescriber name | Human Medicines Regulations 2012 |
| GMC/GDC number | Professional register identifier |
| Prescriber type | GP / Dentist / Nurse / Other |
| Clinic address | Physical location of consultation |
| Patient name and address | Full legal name and residential address |
| Patient DOB | Date of birth (age auto-calculated) |
| Medication name | SNOMED CT coded drug name |
| Strength and form | e.g. 500mg Capsules |
| Quantity | Number of units / pack size |
| Dosage instructions | Clear frequency (not "as directed") |
For Schedule 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs, the quantity is automatically displayed in both words and numbers:
28 (twenty-eight)
If the patient is under 12 years old, the exact age is auto-calculated and displayed on the prescription.
If the prescriber is a GDC-registered dentist, the prescription header changes to "Dental Prescription" and includes the phrase "For dental treatment only".
Select a dispensing pharmacy from the AES Portal list (100+ pharmacies available). The pharmacy is notified automatically after signing via email to their dedicated NHSmail address.
When the clinician clicks Issue Immediately:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SIGNED | Successfully AES-signed and ready for dispensing |
| PENDING | Awaiting signature (issued but not yet signed) |
| FAILED | AES signing failed — contact support |
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ACTIVE | Prescription is valid and can be dispensed |
| DISPENSED | Pharmacy has dispensed the medication |
| CANCELLED | Prescription was revoked by the prescriber |
| EXPIRED | Validity period has lapsed |
| Type | Validity |
|---|---|
| Standard private prescription | 6 months from date of signing |
| Controlled Drug (Schedule 2, 3, 4) | 28 days from date of signing |
As the Registered Manager, you can verify the AES signing status of any prescription from the Prescribing Oversight Dashboard → AES Evidence tab.