Wales and CareFlow launch new digital hospital pharmacy system

Wales has implemented a new digital hospital pharmacy system which has helped improving the accuracy of computerised dispensing and medicines stock management.

The system is replacing 30-year-old software and will give greater reliability, more efficient medicine management and overall better performance. In addition it should improve the clarity of data recorded and ensure compliance with national governance, which will lead to safer and more consistent care for patients.

Developed by CareFlow Medicines Management (CMM), the modernisation and standardisation of the Welsh Hospital Pharmacy Stock Management System has been implemented in 28 Welsh hospitals across seven health boards and one trust. The new system offers a more consistent way of working for nearly 2,500 users in the country.

Berwyn Owen, chief pharmacist, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Whilst there are many benefits, one of the outcomes – an agreed All Wales medicines file – alone, allows us to accurately check stock across Wales and talk about the same medicines products in the same way.

“We can build on this, and more, to continually optimise and improve, knowing that we are all on the same hymn sheet and therefore no one is excluded from the journey.”

It links medication dispensing and usage data by using nationally recognised standards for a comprehensive, real-time view of information. Patients in Wales will also experience more consistency in medicine dispensing – such as standard labels on hospital medications.

CareFlow Medicines Management was formerly known as WellSky before System C acquired medicines management specialist in July 2021.

Rob Blay, CEO CareFlow Medicines Management, said: “The national pharmacy project has been a resounding installation success due to the enthusiasm and dedication with which the hospital teams’ adopted our digital solution.

“Twenty eight hospitals in 12 months is quite an achievement, and that was against the backdrop of Covid-19. As a result of that rapid rollout, they are already reaping the many benefits of a single pharmacy system and improving patient experience across Wales.”

The new digital system is the first step on the Digital Medicines Transformation Programme, which aims to implement national electronic prescribing and medicines administration.

Outside of Wales, the UK’s first digital pharmacy offering same-day delivery service was launched in Birmingham in August last year, when Phlo opened its first pharmacy hub outside of London.