Pharmacy Department - Northampton General Hospital

Pharmacy Computer Systems

The main Pharmacy Computer systems in use are:

EDS Pharmacy Stock Control System (Caché version)

The EDS Pharmacy Stock Control System is in use with 28 PC’s and terminals, and 17 printers. We utilise the EDI (electronic) ordering system and also process some invoices via the EDI invoicing programme.

‘Mini-disaster Recovery’: The system is covered by a comprehensive back-up ‘mini-disaster recovery’ system to allow dispensing and printing of labels to continue in the event of major problems. When the main system is back again, the information is downloaded to the main server to maintain patient/financial history and data.

Reports: The system has a comprehensive reporting system; a number of financial, clinical and statistical reports are circulated throughout the Trust each month. The addition of Data Mapping of the whole database and a data warehouse, with new reporting tools, has enhanced the available construction and layout of reports with quarterly comparison of therapeutic classes for Directorates.

Security: The security of the system is supported by audit trails and passwords. Support is also available from EDS Helpdesk and by support modem.

Training: Initial computer system training is carried out by the Systems Manager, with more detailed training then carried out by the appropriate Line Manager.

‘ASCRIBE’ Pharmacy System

The Ascribe Pharmacy System incorporating the TPN and CIVAS (cytotoxic) modules for the Aseptic Services Unit. This consists of a small LAN with 3 printers and 2 PC’s with back-up facilities and support modem.

Training: By ASU staff.

Other Systems in Operation

Clinical Pharmacy and the Medicine Information Unit have access to the Internet, Medline, DISCAN, NGH Patient Administration System (PAS) and the NGH Pathology Systems (OPUS) and e-mails.

Handheld PC's are in use for the Ward Pharmacists.

The Med-N scheme (summary of medicine information for patients to GPs) forms have been developed with software linked to the NGH PAS system, semi-automatic link to the Pharmacy System and with 'drop down boxes' with as much preset information as possibble.

The On-call Pharmacists have got remote access via a modem to the Pharmacy System and the Medicine Information software.

All Departments are now connected to the NHS Net. An Intranet has been created for the Trust and is constantly being enhanced with new developments & links and the NGH medicines formulary, Emergency cupboard stock list and minutes from the Drug & Therapeutics Committee.

Electronic Prescribing & Discharge Summary

The Trust has recently purchased the REVIVE electronic discharge summary software which is being rolled out throughout the Trust.

If you would like any further information contact Phil Gray, Informatics Manager on (01604) 523995 or e-mail: phil.gray@ngh.nhs.uk

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