Important:
Transition to the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) with SNOMED CT Codes
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is currently transitioning to provide only the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) which includes Systematised Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) codes.
To support a smooth transition, both versions of the English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) — with and without SNOMED CT codes — will be made available for a period of three months following the initial publication on 22 May 2025. After this period, only the EPD containing SNOMED CT codes will continue to be published; the version without SNOMED CT codes will be discontinued.
To confirm, the final EPD file without SNOMED CT codes will be published in August 2025.
This dataset contains information on prescriptions issued in England that have been dispensed in England, Wales, Scotland, Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.
The dataset combines elements of the Detailed Prescribing Information (DPI) data previously released by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) via the Information Services Portal, and the Practice Level Prescribing in England (PLP) data released by NHS Digital via their website. It is intended to replace both of those sources.
These datasets have been brought together to provide end users with a single comprehensive, consistent and accessible source of prescribing information.
Find out more about this data in the guidance document:
English Prescribing Dataset guidance document (ODT): 233KB
English Prescribing Dataset guidance document (PDF):238KB
Overview of Service
Information about our NHSBSA Prescriptions Data service can be found here - Prescription data | NHSBSA
Dataset Details
Data Source
NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Data Warehouse.
Data collection
The English Prescribing Dataset (EPD) is compiled from multiple NHSBSA data sources to ensure accuracy and consistency in prescription records.
- BNF Data: Sourced from the NHSBSA drug database, which maintains the British National Formulary (BNF) classification system as implemented prior to edition 70.
- Organisational Data: Derived from the NHSBSA organisational database, providing up-to-date information on NHS GP practices and primary care organisations.
- Prescription Data: Includes all prescription items prescribed in the community in England and submitted to NHSBSA for reimbursement and remuneration by dispensing contractors on a monthly basis.
Time Periods
Publication Frequency: Data is uploaded monthly, typically around the 20th, following the NHSBSA prescription data refresh.
Data is published retrospectively with a two-month delay. For example, January data is published in March.
Historical Data: Records are available from January 2014 onwards.
Geography
Prescriptions issued in England that have been dispensed in England, Wales, Scotland, Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.
Caveats
Information: Exclusion of Medicines Supplied Under Patient Group Directions (PGDs)
The EPD dataset does not capture any medicines that are supplied under PGDs, ( structured protocols allowing specific healthcare professionals (like pharmacists) to supply or administer medicines without a prescription). Services operating under PGDs that are excluded from EPD:
- Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways (PFCP) – e.g. treatments for minor ailments
- Contraception services
- Smoking cessation support
- Urgent medicines supply
- Seasonal flu vaccinations
These services are tracked separately. For more insights into these areas:
- Pharmacy First data:
- Other pharmacy services:
- Flu service reporting:
Information: Exclusion of Dental Prescribing
Prescriptions issued by dentists and dispensed in the community are not included in the EPD dataset.
Information: Hospital Prescribing: Site Code vs. Cost Centre
There is a distinction in hospital prescribing data included in EPD:
- Excluded: Items prescribed using Hospital Site codes and dispensed in the community
- Included: Items prescribed using Hospital Cost Centre codes, even if dispensed in the community
This means that although both may represent hospital-originated prescriptions, only those tied to cost centres are within EPD scope. For further analysis of Hospital Site code prescribing, refer to the Hospital Prescribing Dispensed in the Community Dataset, which excludes Hospital Cost Centre data to avoid duplication.
Enquiries
Who can I contact if I have queries relating to the data?
If you have any queries regarding the data provided, or if you plan on publishing, the data please contact DataServicesSupport@nhsbsa.nhs.uk ensuring you quote the name of the dataset for reference. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.
Citing and Reusing This Data
Important information regarding reusing the data and copyright
If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk . This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.
The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2025” Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.
Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.
Citation
NHS Business Services Authority. "English Prescribing Dataset (EPD)." NHS Business Services Authority Open Data. Accessed **[Date Accessed]**. URL: https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/english-prescribing-data-epd
Notices
28 May 2024:
We've updated our prescription data reports to reflect the recent changes to the discount deduction applied to pharmacy contractors monthly total of reimbursement prices, listed in the Drug Tariff Part V.
For data from April 2024 (published in June) any financial report referencing actual cost includes discounts calculated according to the new methodology.
You can find more details in this article: Changes to Actual Cost reporting calculation (Pharmacy only)
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