Working to enhance patient safety at the Timmins and District Hospital
Timmins, ON, Friday, March 5, 2010, the Timmins and District Hospital (T&DH) Pharmacy Department implemented a Unit Dose Drug Distribution System.
The Unit Dose Drug Distribution System is capable of packaging daily fills of patients' medications by interfacing with the pharmacy computer system. It can house 350 different medications and packages at a speed of 60 medications per minute. The system supply's every tablet or capsule in an individual package labeled with the name, strength, lot number, expiry and barcode of the drug. This system was developed to support nurses in medication administration and to reduce the waste of increasingly expensive medications.
Studies have demonstrated that Unit Dose System reduces the risk of medication errors and saves nursing time. In addition, this system is highly regarded by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices and Accreditation Canada.
According to a 2005 - 2006 Hospital Pharmacy in Canada Report, 70% of Canadian hospitals already use this system and this number has increased every year dating back to 1997.
The Unit Dose Drug Distribution System will allow TDH to enhance patient safety, minimize medication wastage, save nursing time and comply with leading recommendations for drug distribution.
For more information contact:
Kali Garneau
Communications Coordinator
Timmins and District Hospital
267-2131 ext. 2030
kgarneau@tadh.com
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