Fully automated unit-dose packaging, storage and dispensing transportation system will optimize pharmacy workflow, reducing the risk of medication errors and improving medication management
ESBJERG, Denmark. ( 1 September 2015) – Swisslog (http://www.swisslog.com/healthcare), a leading supplier of automation and software solutions for material transport and medication management, announces that Sydvestjysk Sygehus has commissioned the company to install a fully automated solution for unit-dose medication dispensing and transportation.
The new system, including a PillPick® Pharmacy Robot integrated with a TranspoNet™ Pneumatic Tube System, will connect the hospital wards with the inpatient pharmacy where the robot will be installed. Anticipated to go live in June 2016, the fully automated Swisslog system secures the process from the doctor“s electronic prescription until the medication arrives at the ward. By introducing „just-in-time deliveries,“ stock levels on the ward will be kept to an absolute minimum.
„With the Swisslog technology, Sydvestjysk Sygehus will benefit not only in terms of better workflows, but also reduced costs for providing patient care,“ notes Pieter Feenstra, Executive Vice President Swisslog Healthcare Solutions – EMEA. „From a logistics perspective, the innovations at Sydvestjysk represent the state-of-the-art for automated technology. Each logistics process has been optimized for quality and efficiency on behalf of the patient.“
„Our hospital is a forward-thinking healthcare institution, looking continuously at improving patient“s safety, quality and efficiency. The implementation of an automated unit-dose medication management integrated with an innovative transportation system is another step forward in line with our vision“ noted CEO Poul Michaelsen, Sydvestjysk Sygehus.
The Swisslog pharmacy robot automates the packaging, labeling, storage and dispensing of tablets, capsules, ampoules, vials, cups and syringes in unit doses. The system will supply more than 5000 unit doses on daily basis. This system is the first to combine just-in-time (JIT) deliveries for each administration time with an integrated pneumatic tube system, dedicated to transporting medicine from the pharmacy to the wards. For this project, Swisslog developed a next-generation pneumatic tube system station for the wards. This station ensures that carriers are automatically opened, emptied and returned back to pharmacy without any human touches.
A unique concept, this solution removes the main causes for medication errors and automates the whole process – delivering the prescribed medications on patient-specific rings of unit doses to the ward. The innovative solution chosen by Sydvestjysk Sygehus represents the most advanced medication distribution technology available for hospitals. Further, the solution offers both qualitative and economic benefits by reducing medication errors, releasing nurses to focus on direct patient care and reducing the hospital“s medication expenditures.
In case of emergency, medication delivery is planned within 15 minutes from order entry. Through automated tracking and inventory management, PillPick reduces potential medication errors and cuts down on waste caused by out-of-date medicines. Moreover, it reduces the work needed for handling medicines on the wards, thus allowing caregivers more time to concentrate on providing patient care.
Hospital South West Jutland is one of the Region of Southern Denmark“s four acute hospitals. The hospital covers the southwestern part of the region with a population 225,000. The hospital operates as a single unit with addresses in Esbjerg, Grindsted and Broerup. Hospital South West Jutland houses most clinical specialties at a high professional level. The hospital employs approximately 3,000 people and has a budget of about 1.7 billion kr. The hospital treats more than 40,000 inpatients a year and approximately 280,000 patients receive outpatient treatment each year. As a teaching hospital, Jutland trains a large number of young people every year nurses, doctors, social and health assistants, laboratory technicians, physiotherapists and ergo therapists and medical secretaries.
About Swisslog
Swisslog designs, develops and delivers best-in-class automation solutions for forward-thinking hospitals, warehouses and distribution centers. We offer integrated systems and services from a single source – from consulting to design, implementation and lifetime customer service. Behind the company“s success are 2 500 employees worldwide, supporting customers in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit www.swisslog.com/healthcare
Swisslog is part of the KUKA group, a leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions.
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Kontakt
Swisslog Healthcare
Helge Jordal
Skalhuse 5
9240 Nibe
+47 45 39 70 79
helge.jordal@swisslog.com
www.swisslog.com/healthcare