Global standards organisation, GS1 UK and NHS Digital have announced a five-year partnership to enable NHS trusts to use GS1 standards starting with the patient wristband and extending to location management using the Global Location Number registry (LocationManager).
The technology supports the unique identification of every person, product and every place, from care-givers to beds, solving major logistical problems and offering tangible improvements to the quality and safety of care.
Organisations such as University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust have made nearly £4m in savings since their roll out of GS1 standards.
Gary Lynch, chief executive at GS1 UK, said “Embedding open standards and technology will continue to save thousands of lives and millions of pounds, as well as freeing up countless staff hours that can be better spent doing what NHS staff do best – offering the best patient care.”
“Implementing unique identifiers allows for increased traceability and visibility throughout the entire patient care pathway, meaning we are able to support NHS professionals to deliver improved patient care.”
Tom Denwood, executive director for data, insights and statistics at NHS Digital “The Department of Health and Social Care’s e-procurement strategy mandates the use of GS1 standards in every NHS acute trust in England, We hope this five-year contract will drive a range of efficiencies for staff and patients, while improving the quality and safety of care.”
“Open standards offer more consistency across the board and reduce unwanted clinical variations. Harnessing technology to make the most of the information we have at our fingertips is the quickest and safest way to make real improvements.”
