Out-dated paper systems will be replaced in 25 trusts with the help of funding which will improve safety and reduce errors.
Handwritten prescriptions will soon be a thing of the past with hospitals changing to digital prescription technology.
Through the upgrade to more efficient systems, the NHS will not only save time but many patients will benefit in the following ways:
- Medication errors will be reduced by 30% when compared to the paper system
- Access to information that could be life-saving will be able to be accessed much faster
- A single electronic record will ensure that information duplication will be decreased.
The funding provided to the 25 trusts will support and enable them to fulfil the commitment to implement electronic prescribing across all providers as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.
Minister for Health Edward Argar said:
“Electronic prescriptions in our hospitals will not only do away with old fashioned paper prescriptions but can help prevent avoidable and potentially catastrophic medication errors.
“As part of our long term plan for the NHS we’re committed to giving our hardworking staff access to modern systems which save them valuable time and make every penny of taxpayers’ money count.
“Following the previous funding announcement, I’m delighted to confirm the funding allocations for these 25 trusts as part of our mission to upgrade NHS hospitals with modern technology so patients get the best and safest care possible”.
Matthew Gould, chief executive of NHSX, said:
“Switching from paper prescriptions to digital in our hospitals will make mistakes less likely, free up staff time and ultimately improve patients’ care and health.
“This is part of the NHS Long Term Plan to support health service organisations to use digital technology to improve the care they can give patients, and allow staff to focus on delivering care, rather than on time-consuming processes”.
Article source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/26-million-to-help-hospitals-introduce-digital-prescriptions
