DH launches Scan4Safety

The Department of Health (DH) is launching a new initiative, Scan4Safety, which involves printing barcodes on breast implants and other medical items for patient safety reasons, to avoid future scandals like the PIP breast implant scare of 2010.

The new system is intended to record every medicine and implant given to patients by scanning the product packet and the patient's identity wristband.

The scheme is being piloted in six NHS trusts in Derby, Leeds, Salisbury, Cornwall, North Tees and Plymouth. These sites have reported that the scheme is reducing unnecessary waste and effectively managing medical stocks, saving valuable staff time and giving the patient more information about their treatment.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt commented: “Scan4Safety is a world first in healthcare – and a vital part of this government’s drive to make the NHS the safest and most transparent healthcare system in the world.

“Using simple barcodes that major industries rely on every day will help to transform standards of care – before, during and after patients have treatment, at the same time as freeing up resources for care by reducing waste.”

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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