Trust completes largest ‘one-time’ automation installation to date, following fitting of 45 Automated Dispensing Cabinets and 80 medicines dispensing trolleys at the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick.

The Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has broken new ground in medicines management with the installation of a substantial portfolio of automation at the newly-opened Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. The state-of-the-art technology will provide a ‘closed-loop’ workflow, ensuring the highest levels of patient safety.

The hospital is equipped with 45 Omnicell XT Automated Dispensing Cabinets, 44 of which are on the wards, with one controlled drugs cabinet in its central pharmacy. In addition, there are 80 AMiS-PRO Smart Cartmedication dispensing trolleys, integrated with MedXpert inventory management software. This setup will streamline workflows, reduce manual processes, minimise drug errors, and save the NHS money. The scale of the automation project represents a first for any Trust and will significantly redefine medicines management.

Ben Dalby, Project Deployment Manager from Omnicell, commented: “This is a large and complex project which takes hospital automation in the UK to new levels, underlining the Trust’s commitment to prioritising patient care.

“We worked closely with Puneet Sharma, Chief Pharmacist at the Trust, and his team, and recognised the significant demands placed on them due to the diverse medication needs of their patients. This new solution supports their staff and addresses the challenges of the evolving healthcare landscape.

“The efficiencies provided by automation are invaluable, and will enable staff to focus on patient care rather than managing stock and manual tasks. This new technology will enable them to work smarter, faster, and safer.”

The newly-opened Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Smethwick

Medicines management is complex, but Omnicell is helping NHS Trusts and Health Boards tackle these kinds of issues through a combination of smart automation, software and consultancy services all used in combination.

Edward Platt, Senior Commercial Director of Omnicell’s UK community pharmacy division and Omnicell’s UK & Ireland hospital division, added: “I have seen the transformative effects of automation on medical staff workloads. Automation is key to leaner and safer workflows in both ward and theatre environments. With the NHS under immense pressure and waiting lists at an all-time high, our solutions empower medical professionals to focus on patient health and wellbeing.

“We look forward to collaborating with the team at Midland Metropolitan and witnessing the positive impact of this technology. We are now focused on the next step in this project which is to deliver a full closed-loop workflow by completing the interoperability with Oracle Cerner. 

“We encourage other NHS Trusts to explore the benefits of leveraging the latest technology to transform workflows.”

Omnicell is a leading provider of medication management solutions and adherence tools for health systems and pharmacies. For more information, please visit www.omnicell.co.uk or email sales-aa@omnicell.com.