Griffith University Pharmacy Alumnus Leads Medication Automation at Tugun Satellite Hospital
A new electronic medication management system at Tugun Satellite Hospital will allow nurses and doctors to do what they are passionate about – provide quality care to patients.
The Pyxis system is the first of its kind to be implemented in the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS) and Griffith University alumnus and Senior Pharmacist Lisa Hill led the implementation.
“The digitisation and automation of medication management is making a massive impact on the way health professionals can provide care,” Mrs Hill said.
“We’ve been training the Tugun Satellite Hospital staff to use the automated system and there’s a buzz of excitement.
“Usually, the process of medication management involves two staff members manually counting the entire stock of controlled medications multiple times a day as the staffing shift changes.
“Staff are also responsible for dispensing correct dosage, record keeping, and documentation.
“The Pyxis medication management system automates the distribution, management, and storage of medication within the hospital.
“Without so much manual management and paperwork to do, staff can concentrate on providing care to patients.
“The new system reduces medical errors, reduces wastage, and it reduces time spent managing controlled substances.
“Staff are excited about the big impact it will have on their workload.”
As a clinical educator at the GCHHS, Mrs Hill is passionate about improving pharmacy services by developing the workforce and implementing innovative solutions to improve care.
After completing a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, Mrs Hill continued her education to complete a Master of Pharmacy, and then went on to complete a Master of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Queensland.
The Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah) supports the GCHHS emergency departments at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina by giving consumers the option to access urgent walk-in health care within their local community through a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, seven days per week.