| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rosie Smith
Tel. 850/718-2696
Email: rsmith@jackhosp.org
Automated Medication Dispensing System installed at Jackson Hospital
Assures patient safety and quality of care
Marianna, FL, September 24, 2009. Jackson Hospital’s director of Pharmacy, Ed Pittman, announces that an Automated Medication Dispensing System is now in operation at Jackson Hospital. The hospital dispenses about 40,000 doses of medicine per month and the system further augments patient safety initiatives while streamlining the order/supply/charge processes at the hospital.
The system’s location is adjacent to the Hospital’s Emergency Department for easy access by staff. The machine, which in appearance closely resembles a vending machine, has such safety features as guiding lights technology, advanced single-dose dispensing, and bar code confirmation on restock and issue.
The system works by the nurse putting in a security code, selecting the patient from an online list, and then selecting the patient’s prescribed medication; all while the system automatically checks the prescription for allergies, interactions and appropriate dosage. If all checks out, the right drawer and individual medicine bin opens. Green lights illuminate the specific section containing the correct patient’s medication.
"One of the biggest sources of medication errors is the mix-up of drugs with look-alike and sound-alike names" says Pittman. “Now our staff has access only to the specific medication ordered,” he said.
An automated medication dispensing system, such as on the one installed at Jackson Hospital, is quickly becoming industry standard. While the vending machine-like dispenser is new to the hospital; secured, individual medication bins have long been standard in each patient room, according to Pittman.
The system cost about $150,000 including the computerized connection to the Hospital’s Electronic patient medical record system. This capital investment is proof of the Hospital’s continued commitment to high quality care and patient safety.
Mr. Pittman commends the work of Senior Pharmacy Technician Sheila Finch who took total charge of the implementation of the system and served as the hospital’s point of contact with the vendor, Omnicell. Sheila has worked at Jackson Hospital for 22 years. Joining her in the Pharmacy department are 3 Pharmacists -- Ed Pittman, Rodney Lewis, PharmD., and Mercedes Young - 2 technicians in addition to herself – Renee’ Carlisle and Julie McPherson -- and 2 Pharmacy Assistants – Sherry Edmund-Oliver and Philana Henderson.
The automated dispensing system complements the current bar-code medication administration system used at the hospital. “Nurses use the bar-coded system to administer prescribed medications following the 5 R’s – right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, right route,” says Leann Davidson, RN, Director of Nursing.
Jackson Hospital’s mission is to provide the highest quality healthcare to those it serves, enhancing life in a compassionate environment. The hospital counts Jackson County and neighboring counties as its service area.
Jackson Hospital, a top 100 Hospital in the nation according to Thomson Healthcare, is the only Florida hospital in its size category to be a two-consecutive year Performance Improvement Leaders award winner. The Hospital provides a wide variety of medical, surgical, and emergency care services from its main location in Marianna at 4250 Hospital Drive. For details about Jackson Hospital’s capabilities, visit www.jacksonhosp.com. # # # If you would like more information about this topic, schedule an interview with Ed Pittman, or take a tour of the Hospital, please call Rosie at 850/718-2696 or email her at rsmith@jackhosp.org. |