NHS Forth Valley is moving ahead to implement electronic prescribing (HEPMA) across all hospitals in Forth Valley. This is an exciting development and the main aim of the project will be the safe transfer of the paper prescribing system to an electronic record. It will also provide the added benefits of clinicians being able to get support online for prescribing decisions.
Development work is due to begin in late autumn 2014. The full rollout is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2016 beginning with Forth Valley Royal Hospital, followed by community hospitals and mental health facilities.
There are numerous patients safety benefits in addition to the improved information that will be accessible on the medicines prescribed and administered. So far there has been considerable enthusiasm from staff.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are currently the only area fully utilising HEPMA but several other Boards are considering implementing HEPMA.
