Bendigo Health’s automated dispensing project has been a long time in the planning and all began with a significant donation from the New Bendigo Hospital Appeal, which funded for a Pharmacy Robot which was installed last year.
The automated pharmacy robot component stores, manages and supplies medication packs for the hospital is one of the most significant pieces of Bendigo Health medical equipment ever funded entirely through donations.
The robot can store up to 22,000 items and supply at a rate of 400 items per hour.
Paul O’Brien, Director of Pharmacy, described the state of the art machine as a significant component in modern computerised stock control. Along with the electronic carts and electronic drug cabinets being implemented throughout the wards, the robot forms part of the systematic control and reconciliation of medication from procurement to patient administration. "There are only about a dozen of these robots in hospitals Australia-wide and we are very thankful to have one here at Bendigo Health. The automation system allows us to safely and efficiently manage the high volume of medicines we disperse for patients in wards, the emergency department and those attending outpatient clinics." said Mr O’Brien.
The equipment is expected to see a marked reduction in medication errors and further enhanced efficiencies.
