A new system that uses ‘computers on wheels’ is helping pharmacy staff at the Trust to dispense medicines at the patient bedside, ensuring they get the “right medicine to the right patient at the right time”.
The computers, along with their medicine cart, are being used at both Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH. They have been kindly donated by the Friends of Conquest Hospital and Friends of Eastbourne Hospital respectively.
Conquest Pharmacy Trolley
Eastbourne Pharmacy Trolley with Harry Walmsley
The computers on wheels contain a lockable medication cart with a stock of medicines that can be dispensed immediately for the patient to be treated, helping to reduce the potential of missing a vital dose. The overall experience for the patient is greatly enhanced, as patients can be counselled by pharmacy staff at the bedside, prior to going home. This helps to ensure patients understand what each of their medicines are for, along with how and when to take their medicine, which helps to avoid their readmission back into hospital.
Simon Badcott, Chief Pharmacist said: “We are extremely grateful to the Friends of both hospitals for this donation. Being able to dispense medicine at the patient’s bedside, will help to improve patient safety. It will also enable our patients to be ready to go home earlier, making beds available earlier, and patients able to go home with more confidence in how to take their medicines.”
Bill Hamilton, Chair of Friends of Conquest Hospital and Harry Walmsley, Chair of Friends of Eastbourne Hospital said: “The Friends are delighted to be able to provide these computers on wheels, which will help ensure pharmacist staff at the patient’s bedside, get the “right medicine to the right patient at the right time”. This donation is only possible thanks to the generosity of local people supporting the Friends.”