Social Care News

Pilot scheme aims to make care home prescribing safer

A pilot project has been launched to make care home prescribing safer by using barcodes generated by local pharmacies.

The codes will ensure that the right prescriptions reach the right residents and also cut down on wasted prescriptions.

The pilot project involving 30 care homes in Wales was launched by Welsh Government Health Minister Mark Drakeford at Tower Hill Residential Home, a CFW member, in Penarth on November 19.

Pharmacies and care homes in Swansea, Tondu, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthen are also taking part in the pilot.
Read the full story on the Welsh Government website here: http://gov.wales/newsroom/healthandsocialcare/2015/care-home/?lang=en

System is safer and has 'reduced medicines wasted by up to 75 per cent' 

Amy Curtis, the manager at Tower Hill where the pilot scheme was launched, said: "We have been using the system since May. It is a PC-based system with a docking station and each member of staff has their own ID number and each resident is easily identified with a picture and full explanation of medical needs including known allergies.

"The system is linked to our local pharmacy and we work in partnership with them sharing information on medication changes, stock totals and son on. With the Welsh Government funding we have been able to use the system and completely redefine our administration of medication."

She added: "The system has reduced wastage by up to 75 per cent. Staff can administer medication in a much more time-efficient manner, freeing them up to spend real time with the residents.

"It's also safer in terms of records which cannot be falsified. I have a clear audit trail of medication in the home. I receive weekly emails with reasons why meds have not been given. It also allows managers to track staff."